Shaun Marsh. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh made a terrific comeback to Test cricket after almost a four-year hiatus, blasting a stunning century in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes series at Headingley. Marsh hit 118 runs, including 17 boundaries and four maximums, at a time when Australia desperately needed it. Courtesy of his ton, Australia scored 263 runs in their first innings after being invited to bat first.
Meanwhile, for England, Mark Wood took five wickets while Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad took three and two wickets, respectively. England finished 68/3 at stumps on Day 1 with Joe Root 19* and Jonny Bairstow (1*) still at the crease, and the hosts trailing by 195 runs. Marsh was also outstanding with the ball, dismissing opener Zak Crawley after skipper Pat Cummins removed Ben Duckett and Harry Brook.
A video went viral on social media after Marsh struck his captivating century on Day 1 in Leeds. The 31-year-old all-rounder made his family proud as his brother and cricketer Shaun Marsh and other family members can be seen in the video celebrating his century.
Watch the video:
You love to see it! Shaun Marsh and his dad celebrating Mitch Marsh’s 💯
How good!!! 🫶🏾🥹#Ashes pic.twitter.com/2Et7kYvhrq
— 델라소 (@kvtdee)
Mitchell Marsh, who made his first Test appearance for Australia since 2019 in the longest format, came out to bat when the Pat Cummins-led side was four down for 85 on Day 1 of the third Test. The 31-year-old teamed up with Travis Head (39) to pick up Australia’s innings. Head, on the other hand, switched to the anchor’s role taking the situation into consideration, having earlier played with an aggressive approach in the previous two matches at Edgbaston and Lord’s.
Marsh, who replaced the injured all-rounder, Cameron Green, smashed back-to-back boundaries to reach his century off just 102 balls. Furthermore, it was his third Test century in 33 matches, with all of his hundreds coming against England. Notably, he along with Head added 155 for the fifth wicket in the first innings.
Australia will be looking to win the third Test, having taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. England, on the other hand, will be seeking a win in order to keep their hopes alive of winning the coveted series.