Australian captain Mitch Marsh was keen to avoid adding any spice ahead of his team’s return to Lord’s for the first time since last year’s fiery Ashes Test, declaring there was nothing but “love” for the ground and the highly combustible English fans.
Alex Carey, whose infamous run-out of England batter Jonny Bairstow sparked ugly scenes among the Lord’s members who abused the Australians, looks set to keep his place in the ODI side for the fourth clash in the series tonight (AEST) after back-to-back half centuries playing as a replacement for injured Josh Inglis.
Carey is among seven of the Australian Test contingent returning to Lord’s for the first time since that day, with Steve Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green also part of this ODI series that the Aussies lead 2-1.
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Marsh was with the Test squad but didn’t play in the Lord’s match, watching from the dressing room as players including David Warner and Usman Khawaja clashed with Lord’s members, some of whom were banned for life.
But the ODI skipper said that was a long time ago, hadn’t been talked about by the players in England this time and wouldn’t be a factor for them in Friday night’s game.
“We’ve really moved on from that,” Marsh told reporters on the eve of the fourth ODI.
“These things happen in Ashes Test matches, there’s not a series that goes by that doesn’t have some sort of drama.
“There’s always excitement playing at Lord’s; it’s the greatest ground in the world bar the WACA of course (with all) the history and tradition. Not many blokes are training, they just came in for lunch today, and it’s great to be back here.”
Carey was booed when he first batted at Headlingley but was undeterred, making 74 in a man-of-the-match effort, then 77 not out in the third game.
Marsh dismissed any suggestion he came to England with a chip on his shoulder after the fallout from the Test.
“I don’t think that’s in his character, but Alex loves playing England, we all do,” he said.
“The fans are always incredible and it’s always a tough challenge playing against England, so I think he’s just rapt to be back here playing for Australia.”
Both Travis Head and spinner Adam Zampa, who missed the third game, are expected to take their place at Lord’s.
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