Mitchell Marsh has defended the controversial photo of him putting his feet on the World Cup trophy during Australia’s post-tournament celebrations.

Marsh broke his silence after being accused of disrespecting the game while posing for a photo after Australia’s sixth World Cup victory with the trophy under his feet.

The all-rounder was instrumental in Australia’s successful campaign, racking up the third-highest runs (441) for his side, at an average of 49 and a strike rate of 107.56. However, the gesture didn’t sit well with some Indian fans.

Indian speedster Mohammed Shami was among those to voiced his disapproval of the celebration.

“I am hurt,” he said, speaking to a group of reporters on Friday, November 24. “The trophy for which all the teams in the world fight, the trophy which you want to lift over your head, keeping a foot on that trophy did not make me happy.”

While speaking to Sen Radio, Marsh insisted he meant no disrespect to the silverware: “There was obviously no disrespect meant in that photo at all.

“I haven’t given it too much thought, I haven’t seen a lot on social media even though everyone tells me it’s gone off. There’s nothing in that.”

When asked about whether he would repeat his act, Marsh replied in the affirmative. “Yeah, probably, to be honest”.

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