In a remarkable comeback to Test cricket, Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh played a sensational innings, hitting a century on the first day of the third Ashes Test at Leeds. Marsh’s hundred came as a relief for the visitors, as they had suffered an early top-order collapse. His aggressive knock of 118 runs off just 102 balls helped lift Australia from 85/4 to 240/5 before they were eventually bowled out for 263.
Replacing the injured Cameron Green in the playing XI, Marsh frustrated the England bowlers with his run-a-ball century. Reflecting on his impressive knock, Marsh revealed that he had worked hard to control his nerves and that it was a special moment for him.
“I’m still lost for words. In the past, my nerves have really got the better of me, and I’ve worked really hard to control them. It’s the first time I’ve been dropped in Test cricket, and you always need some luck. It was my day,” said Mitchell Marsh in an interview with BBC Sport.
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England’s Mark Wood also had a standout performance, taking five wickets and setting up an intense battle in the third Ashes Test at Headingley. After dismissing Australia for 263, with Marsh’s century being the highlight, England faced a challenging task, ending the day at 68/3, trailing by 195 runs.
You have to wind the clock back a long way to find a better performance 🕰
Mitchell Marsh was in no mood to hang around at Headingley 👊
More from #AUSvENG: https://t.co/bb2ggDRxBA pic.twitter.com/ObHviwS2Un
— ICC (@ICC) July 7, 2023
England capitalized on winning the toss as their bowlers exploited the quick pitch, reducing Australia to 85/4 before Marsh’s explosive innings turned the tide. Marsh’s partnership of 155 runs with Travis Head provided Australia with a much stronger position.
However, England regained momentum after Marsh’s dismissal just before tea, with Wood leading the charge in a thrilling display of high-paced bowling. Wood’s figures of 5-34, including a lightning-fast delivery clocked at 96.5mph, put Australia under pressure.
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During the evening session, England lost three wickets, with Pat Cummins dismissing Ben Duckett and Harry Brook, while Marsh removed Zak Crawley. At stumps, England’s Joe Root remained unbeaten on 19, accompanied by Jonny Bairstow on one. The stage is set for an intriguing contest as both teams look to gain the upper hand in the remainder of the third Ashes Test.
