Mitchell Marsh hasn’t done his career prospects many favours over the past 12 months, but Australia are desperately hoping his coming of age can coincide with their own Champions Trophy revival.

With Australia’s title defence now a do-or-die proposition against New Zealand in Birmingham on Wednesday, it’s the ideal opportunity for the promising allrounder to realise some potential and set up a long and fruitful international career.

His debut for Australia against South Africa in a Twenty20 back in 2011 was scintillating but, unfortunately, his list of off-field indiscretions has threatened to outnumber his yellow caps.

Marsh is certainly not the first 21-year-old to find himself in trouble from time to time.

He was sent home from the Centre of Excellence for being “unfit to train” and reprimanded after a big night in Cape Town with the Perth Scorchers.

Injuries have also been unkind.

But after being shown faith by selectors for this tournament, Marsh must show what he’s all about especially after an indifferent showing in the opening pool loss to England.

Stand-in Australian captain George Bailey said cricket is littered with enough tales of wasted opportunities for Marsh to realise what he needs to do.

“There’s no doubt he’s an amazing talent. But there’s a lot of players around the world like that who have amazing talent,” said Bailey.

“The challenge for him is to harness that and perform on the big stage.”

Marsh’s three international T20s and one ODI before this tournament certainly suggest the West Australian is one for the big occasion.

On debut against South Africa in Johannesburg, he launched top-class quick Morne Morkel for four sixes in a breathtaking cameo of 36 off 21 balls.

Marsh’s explosive hitting is his trademark, but he’s also shown his deceptiveness as a seamer.

The self-inflicted perception of Marsh as a party boy is countered by his reputation within the team as a diligent and respectful learner.

“Every time I’ve had anything to do with Mitch, I’ve been really impressed,” said Bailey.

“I think he really thrives around this group and thrives around having some strong players to look up to and learn off.

“I certainly don’t think he’s daunted by playing international cricket and, every time I see him, he’s willing and he’s wanting to learn.

“He’s asking questions – he’s doing everything he can.

“The real key for him is to try and stay on the park for as long as he can … any time he’s started to get a bit of momentum, something seems to knock him back a couple of steps.”