Wouldn't mind doing it again: Mitchell Marsh on resting feet on World Cup trophy

The image, which went viral on social media, didn't sit well with Indian fans. Even pacer Mohammed Shami claimed that he felt "hurt" by Marsh's action

The photo at the heart of the controversy
The photo at the heart of the controversy
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PTI

Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who has faced criticism from Indian fans for resting his feet on the World Cup trophy, on Friday insisted that the gesture was not disrespectful, and that he won't mind repeating the controversial act.

Soon after Australia defeated hosts India by six wickets in the final to claim their record-extending sixth ODI World Cup, skipper Pat Cummins shared an image of Marsh with his feet on the trophy on his Instagram account, creating a huge furore on social media.

"There was obviously no disrespect meant in that photo at all," Marsh said on 'Sen Radio'. "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," he added. However, when asked if he would do it again, Marsh said "Yeah probably, to be honest."

The image, which went viral on social media, didn't sit well with Indian fans. Even pacer Mohammed Shami claimed that he felt "hurt" by Marsh's action.

"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," Shami had said.

Meanwhile, Marsh also expressed the hope that big series such as the ongoing five-match T20I series between Australia and India won't be scheduled so soon after ICC tournaments in future, as triumphant players deserve to celebrate for a while with their families at home.

"It was pretty outrageous for the guys that had to stay behind. It's a fine line because we've got to respect the fact we're playing for Australia and it's a series against India which is always really big. But there's also the human side of it, the boys have just won a World Cup and probably deserve to celebrate for a while and get home to their families. It's an interesting one. You'd hope there's not too many of those series put on after big tournaments again," he said.

As many as seven members from Australia's ODI World Cup-winning team stayed back in India after the final on 19 November for the T20I series.

However, six of the seven players have flown back home, with Travis Head being the lone member of the World Cup-winning side to stay put for the remaining two games.

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