Marsh excited by Protea rivalry

Cape Town - Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is excited over the upcoming series against South Africa and highlighted on the rivalry between the two teams.

Marsh spoke to the media in Johannesburg ahead of the start of their South African tour and said that he was excited over the build-up to the Australian summer.

“Obviously it’s very exciting, as it’s going to be a big build-up to the Australian summer, first things first for us is to try and win the series and then move on to the Test series."

Australia play Ireland in a match friendly on Tuesday, before playing a five-match ODI series against South Africa.

The Proteas then travel Down Under to play in a three-match Test series against the Aussies.

Marsh was sent home from the Sri Lankan tour, as Australian coach Darren Lehmann wanted to rest the all-rounder for the upcoming series against the Proteas.

The 24-year-old has only played 10 games against the Proteas and averages 34.71 with the bat and has taken four scalps so far.

“Over the last couple of years, we have built up a great rivalry with the South African team and it’s going to be an interesting series.

“I think it’s going to be an even series and we all very excited.”

When asked who the Australians are particularly targeting heading into the ODI series, Marsh commented that all of the South Africans pose a threat, but that they have plans to shake the home side.

“We play against these guys so much now that we got plans against them. It’s just about going about it and executing it on the day. We’ll prepare as well as we can.”

Fixtures:

Friday, September 30: 1st ODI, South Africa v Australia, SuperSport Park - 13:30

Sunday, October 2: 2nd ODI, South Africa v Australia, Bidvest Wanderers - 10:00

Wednesday, October 5: 3rd ODI, South Africa v Australia, Kingsmead - 13:30

Sunday, October 9: 4th ODI, South Africa v Australia, St. George’s Park - 10:00

Wednesday, October 12: 5th ODI, South Africa v Australia, Newlands - 13:30