Mitchell Marsh Returns to Test Cricket with Spectacular Ashes Century after Four-Year Absence
Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh expressed his relief and delight on Thursday as he marked his return to the Test arena with a magnificent century during the Ashes series. Marsh’s explosive knock of 118 runs off just 121 balls was the highlight of Australia’s first-day total of 263 in the third Test at Headingley.
The all-rounder also made an impact with the ball by dismissing Zak Crawley, halting England’s early attempt at a recovery after losing two quick wickets.
The 31-year-old Marsh was included in Australia’s tour squad as a cover for Cameron Green, who was ruled out of the match due to a hamstring strain.
Reflecting on his unexpected opportunity, Marsh humbly stated, “On a long tour you always get a chance at some stage, I just wanted to wear baggy green once more. It was a bit of a surprise and very unfortunate for Greeny.”
In good spirits, Marsh humorously referred to himself as the “first man to score an Ashes hundred on a UK holiday” due to his backup role. While Marsh’s family is currently on a holiday in Bali celebrating his brother Shaun’s 40th birthday, they eagerly watched his sensational century unfold, which included 17 fours and four sixes at a blistering pace.
Acknowledging the challenges he faced during his four-year absence from the national team, Marsh revealed, “There’s always times when you spend a bit of time away from the game where you think you might not get back. It’s taken a lot of hard work, I chose to have ankle surgery and miss last summer to get on this tour knowing I was going to be Greeny’s understudy. I’m really proud to get back.”
When asked about his motivation during his time away from the Australian team, Marsh pointed to his cherished Baggy Green cap and expressed his desire to wear it once again.
The significance of his century was further highlighted by the fact that Travis Head’s 39 was Australia’s second-highest score, demonstrating the immense value of Marsh’s contribution in the face of England’s pacy bowler Mark Wood.
Read More: “Ex cricketers, Commentators can just DM me instead of tweeting”- Riyan Parag’s reply to critics
Marsh credited his upbringing on the challenging pitches of Western Australia for his ability to excel against express fast bowlers like Wood. He remarked, “I could lean on my experience of growing up at the WACA (Western Australia Cricket Association ground in Perth) against fast bowling, sink or swim from a very early age.”
Although he refrained from speculating on his chances of playing in the next Test match in Manchester, Marsh humorously stated, “I wouldn’t mind going back to my UK holiday to be honest.” As England closed the day at 68-3, Marsh assessed the game as “pretty evenly poised,” leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next exciting chapter of the Ashes series.