Mitch Marsh has reflected on ‘the hardest eight weeks of cricket’ after he was hit by a family tragedy during his World Cup journey.
Marsh, 32, matched his father, Geoff Marsh, to win the Cricket World Cup on Sunday after Australia defeated India to lift the famous trophy in Ahmedabad.
Geoff was in the stadium to witness his son become a world champion and it was a bittersweet moment for the family, who have gone through a trying period in recent weeks.
Marsh left the Australian camp midway through the tournament after his maternal grandfather, Ross, had died.
Before he left, he promised his teammates he would return to win the trophy. He rejoined the squad later and watched the funeral from afar before smashing 177 runs against Bangladesh.
Mitchell Marsh (left) and father Geoff Marsh (right) after the World Cup final
The batter had a turbulent World Cup journey after his grandfather died
‘Pure elation. I said to a few of the boys just earlier, it’s been the hardest eight weeks of cricket I’ve ever been a part of,’ Marsh said after winning the trophy.
‘We were 0-2 (after two matches), and Sri Lanka were none for 0-120 (in Australia’s third game), so that feels like a lifetime ago. To be here with this group (as champions), it’s unbelievable.’
After his knock against Bangladesh, Marsh said: ‘I’m sure my nanna, mum and all the family will be watching at home, so hopefully it’s put a smile on their faces.
‘My pop was a great man and a huge cricket supporter and they celebrated his life yesterday. Obviously, it’s been a challenging week for the family. It was nice to be able to perform for them and nice to get the win.’
