Mitch Marsh is looking to put a summer of discontent behind him by throwing everything into trying to lead Western Australia to an improbable Sheffield Shield final appearance.
Marsh returned to lead Western Australia to a six-wicket victory against South Australia at the WACA having missed the first Shield game back from the Big Bash League break due to a groin injury.
In his absence, WA lost to NSW by an innings but they responded well on home turf in a bowler-dominated game to chase down the 243 set by the Redbacks for victory with six wickets in hand.
While the Warriors remain an outside chance of reaching the Shield final even with wins the last two rounds against Tasmania and Queensland, for Marsh just having a chance is all he needs to continue to drive his team on.
"This was a big game for us because if we lost this our season was pretty much done," he said.
"Now we are still alive and that will make us extremely hungry to make sure we are prepared for Tasmania next week.
"I love captaining this team every chance I get and I don't take it for granted.
"I certainly feel like this team is becoming my team as captain and as a leader."
There was plenty to like in the performance across the three days from the Warriors.
It included career-best bowling performances by Matt Kelly (6-67) in the second innings and Liam Guthrie (4-53) in the first while Josh Philippe (53no in the second innings after 47 in the first) and Cameron Bancroft (52) scored two of the three half-centuries in the game.
Marsh hopes it now sets the standard for WA.
"We expect everyone to go out there and perform and guys have had to step up," Marsh said.
"It's great to see in games like this young guys do that.
"Matt Kelly is 24, Liam Guthrie is 21, Josh Philippe is 21, so it's a really positive sign for us.
"But ultimately we have two games to go and they are both must-win for us.
"We need guys to keep standing up."
