Mitchell Marsh has his sights set on the 2019 World Cup

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has acknowledged that consistency will be the key to him keeping his spot in the ODI squad in the lead-up to the 2019 World Cup.

Marsh enjoyed a lot of success during the Ashes series against England as he scored 320 runs in three Tests, which included a career-best knock of 181, at an average of 106.66.

He maintained his red-hot form in the first ODI against England in Melbourne on Sunday as he struck a brilliant 50.

However, Marsh admitted that his failure to convert his half-century into a bigger score played a role in his side’s five-wicket loss.

“I’ve been very clear in what I want to do in the first 30 balls and working hard on that game plan and sticking to it,” Marsh was quoted as saying by The Canberra Times. “It was nice to get a few yesterday, but I was really disappointed to get out at the time I did.

“I’d done the hard work and was ready to have a bit of fun … if I get a start next game I (want to) go on and make a big one.”

With the 2019 World Cup fast approaching, Marsh admitted that this is the perfect time for players like him and fellow all-rounder Marcus Stoinis to make their presence felt. Stoinis also put up a strong performance in the first ODI as he smashed a 40-ball 60.

“It’s important not to look too far ahead, but it’s a good opportunity for us young guys coming in to cement our places in the one-day team,” Marsh said.

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old conceded that Australia have to come up with a plan to remove England opener Jason Roy early on after he walloped a career-best 180 in Melbourne.

“We saw an innings like Jason Roy’s last night that takes the game away from you,” Marsh said. “Young kids to come and watch that is great but hopefully it’s the last time we see that this series.”