Despite failing to lift the T20 World Cup title since 2021, Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh said his team will continue their high-risk approach even if that does not always yield results.
The Australians, who fell short in the past two editions of the marquee tournament, begin their five-match T20I series against India in Canberra on Wednesday, signalling the start of preparations for the showpiece event to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February–March 2026.
“We had two World Cups where we didn’t quite go all the way. And I guess we spoke about wanting to challenge ourselves as a team to what we think can win us the World Cup,” Marsh said at the pre-series press conference on Tuesday.
“As a batting unit, we have played a lot more aggressively. I think that’s been the nature of T20 cricket for a lot of teams over the last few years. But yeah, if you look towards the World Cup in India, that’s certainly the way we’re going to play. We’re not going to get it right every time. We will fail. But we’re clear on how we want to go about it. That gives us the best chance for success. And hopefully that’s the case as we keep building,” he added.
Australia had failed to make it past the Super 12s in 2022 and exited in the Super 8 stage last year, with India eventually lifting the title in the Caribbean.
“Look, they (India) are a fantastic team, one which we have great respect for, and I think a five-match series is going to provide a lot of excitement for the fans that are coming to watch. It’s two really good teams that are going to be going at it. So, looking forward to the challenge,” Marsh said.
While the Australian skipper refrained from commenting on India’s World Cup preparations, he expressed confidence in his own team’s progress.
“I’m not really here to comment much on the Indian side of preparation for the World Cup, but I know that we’ve got eight games to go for us. And we’re really building nicely as a team in the way we want to play and go about it. So, yeah, we feel great at the moment. But we know that it’s going to be a big series against India,” he said.
Many Australian players, including Marsh himself, are regular participants in the Indian Premier League, but the familiarity, he said, doesn’t necessarily make the task easier. “Not necessarily (more challenging). I think in world cricket there’s so much footage these days. Everyone watches everyone. The key is execution under pressure. That’s all it comes down to,” he explained.
Abhishek an incredible talent: Marsh
Marsh showered praises on young India opener Abhishek Sharma, who has been in blistering form, scoring 314 runs at an average of 44.85 and a strike rate of 200 during India’s Asia Cup triumph.
“He obviously sets the tone for them. He’s been incredible for the Sunrisers (Hyderabad) over the last little period of time. He’ll provide us with a good challenge…I think you want to be challenged against the best players in the world. We know he’s one of those,” Marsh said.
The Australian captain has also been in impressive touch himself, having scored two centuries and two half-centuries in his last 10 innings.
“I think it’s just like any other batsman, you want to contribute to winning games for Australia. That’s really all I’m focused on when I’m batting. I’m not really thinking as a captain,” Marsh said.
“I’m trying to have a really good partnership with Heady (Travis Head) or whoever it is that I’m batting with. So hopefully it will continue,” he added.
With the Ashes preparations running parallel, Australia’s T20I squad has several players rotating in and out of the setup. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa will miss the start of the series following the birth of his second child, while Josh Hazlewood will depart after the first two games. Sean Abbott is also set to return home after the third match.
“We do have guys coming in and out. But I think that’s been the nature of the white-ball teams over the last couple of years with the schedules and how busy it is,” Marsh said.