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'Can't believe that': Cricket world erupts over Mitch Marsh act

Mitch Marsh, pictured here walking but only after the West Indies opted for a review.
Mitch Marsh walked, but only after the West Indies opted for a review. Image: Fox Sports

Mitch Marsh has sparked controversy in the first ODI against the West Indies after walking - but only after the Windies had asked for a review.

Marsh was on 20 during the opening ODI on Wednesday when he gloved the ball down the leg-side to wicket-keeper Nicholas Pooran.

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However umpire Joel Wilson failed to raise the finger and Marsh stood his ground.

It was only when West Indies captain Kieron Pollard asked for a review that Marsh started to walk off the ground, knowing full well that DRS would find him guilty.

Marsh was virtually back in the grandstands by the time the decision came through.

Windies players were clearly unimpressed with Marsh's tactics, with the Australian batsman sharing a few words with his rivals as he made his way from the field.

Fans were heavily divided on social media, with some suggesting Marsh should have walked straight away if he knew he hit it.

Others said the Aussie star had every right to wait for the umpire's decision.

"Can't believe Marsh stood there in defiance for over 10 seconds and then walked off the second that Pollard signalled for a review," the Caribbean Cricket Podcast tweeted.

Australia thrash West Indies in first ODI

Stand-in skipper Alex Carey starred with the bat and his opening bowlers with the ball, as Australia charged to a 133-run win in Barbados.

Australia scored 9-252, but the home side's target was revised to 257 off 49 overs after three rain delays.

Carey (67 off 87 balls) and Ashton Turner (49 off 45) combined for a fifth-wicket stand of 104 in just under 19 overs.

The West Indies' chase was effectively over after just 7.4 overs as they crashed to 6-27.

The DRS review, pictured here showing that Mitch Marsh had hit the ball.
The DRS review found Mitch Marsh had hit the ball. Image: Fox Sports

Mitchell Starc (5-48 off 8 overs) and Josh Hazlewood (3-11 off 6) each claimed three wickets, with the latter conceding just five runs in his first five overs.

"I probably haven't seen a powerplay like that before, but when they get it right we know how damaging they are," Carey said of Starc and Hazlewood.

The hosts were dismissed for 123 in just 26.2 overs.

With Carey captaining the side for the first time in place of the injured Aaron Finch and three ODI debutants in opening batsmen Josh Philippe and Ben McDermott and pace bowler Wes Agar, it was a new look Australian team.

"It was (special) not only for me, but for three other boys, to make their debuts and to get a win," Carey said.

with AAP

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