Mitch Marsh has dedicated his matchwinning century to his late grandfather after enduring an emotional fortnight.
The Aussie all-rounder delivered a masterclass display with the willow in hand as he hit 177 not out in what is the sixth highest score by an Australian in ODI cricket history.
Marsh’s 132-ball innings saw him muscle 17 fours and nine sixes to blow Bangladesh off the park.
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Marsh departed Australia’s World Cup camp as he rushed home from India to be with his family in the final days before his grandfather, Ross, passed away.
The star sent a message to his teammates promising to return to the squad and help them lift the World Cup trophy.
After walking off the pitch having guided the Aussies to their seventh straight victory, Marsh delivered some heartfelt words as he paid tribute to the late family patriarch.
“I’m sure my Nanna and Mum and all the family will be watching at home, so hopefully it’s put a smile on their face,” Marsh said after the victory.
“My pop was a great man and they celebrated his life yesterday afternoon, I’m sure they probably had a few beers too.
“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.”
Australia’s attention now turns to their semi-final showdown against South Africa, which takes place on Thursday, November 16 at 7:30pm (AEDT).
“To go back into the World Cup is pretty cool. Can’t wait for the semi-final, it’s going to be a ripper,” Marsh said.
“We’re bloody pumped to get to Kolkata.”
The win against Bangladesh was however shrouded in controversy following the dismissal of opener David Warner.
The only issue Australia faced in their chase was the loss of Warner, whose dismissal had question marks from former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting.
After chipping a shot to Shanto, the catch raised a big question for Ricky Ponting as he went to throw it up and caught the ball on his leg, spilling the ball onto the ground.
It’s similar to a catch that was disallowed for Ben Stokes during the Ashes.
The issue at the time reignited a Spirit of Cricket conversation.
The difference was that Shanto had his feet planted on the ground, while Stokes had been on one foot after jumping and lost it as he landed.
It was called a “Herschelle Gibbs re-enactment” by Shane Watson after the 1999 dropped catch of the South African on Steve Waugh, where the Australian captain reportedly quipped: “You’ve just dropped the World Cup”.
Immediately after the catch was taken, Ponting said: “Actually, we might have a look at this. Warner’s turned his back and walked away.
“It was chipped straight to mid-on and the fielder’s taken in but in the act of throwing the ball in the air, it has come out of his hands. Will this be counted as a completed catch or not?”
But it wasn’t looked at and Warner was out for 53, as Australia were 2/132.
Ponting still wasn’t convinced and said Warner was “completely oblivious”, questioning whether Shanto was “in complete control of his movements”.
It sparked plenty of debate on social media.
Originally published as Aussie star Mitch Marsh delivers heartwarming tribute to late grandfather