Mitch Marsh caught in Cricket World Cup storm over dressing room photo with trophy

A photo of Mitch Marsh with his feet on the World Cup trophy has angered thousands of cricket fans in India, with many accusing the Aussie star of 'disrespect'. The Aussies were in a jovial mood after taking down India in Sunday's final to win a sixth World Cup trophy, with plenty of beers flowing in the aftermath.

But many believe Marsh may have taken things too far when he was snapped in the dressing rooms resting his feet on the top of the trophy. With a beer in hand, the Aussie all-rounder looks very relaxed as sits comfortably with his feet raised and resting on the trophy.

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The photo has gone viral on social media, with many (mostly Indian fans) labelling his actions "disrespectful" and "shameful". One person even wrote: “ICC must take action against Marsh.”

India is a diehard cricket-loving country, and they don't take the chance to win a World Cup on home soil lightly. Their loss in the final left over a billion people heartbroken - and they're not taking the defeat particularly well.

As well as lashing out over the seemingly innocent actions of Marsh, fans have also targeted the wives and girlfriends of the Aussie players on social media. Glenn Maxwell's wife Vini, who is of Indian descent, wrote on Instagram on Monday night: "Cue all the hateful, vile DMs (direct messages). Stay classy.

"Can't believe this needs to be said but you can be Indian and also support the country of your birth where you have been raised and more importantly the team your husband and father of your child plays in. Take a chill pill and direct that outrage towards more important world issues."

Mitch Marsh fulfils his World Cup promise to Aussie teammates

Marsh's World Cup triumph comes after he flew home to be with his grieving family earlier in the tournament amid the death of his grandfather Ross. There was some initial uncertainty about whether or not he would return, but fellow all-rounder Marcus Stoinis revealed Marsh had sent his teammates a message to say he'd be back "to win this World Cup".

And that's exactly what he did. In just his second game after returning to India, Marsh blasted the third-highest score by an Australian at a men's World Cup, making 177 not out in an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh. He said it was the perfect way to honour his late pop.

"I'm sure my nana, mum and all the family will be watching at home, so hopefully it's put a smile on their faces," he said after the match. "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."

Marsh's father Geoff, who won a World Cup of his own in 1987, was in the dressing rooms after the final to celebrate with his son. “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.

“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.”

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