Ashes: Mitchell Marsh slams his third century on Test comeback
What's the story
Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has slammed his third century in Test cricket. The 31-year-old brought up the three-figure mark on Day 1 of the 3rd Ashes Test at Headingley, Leeds. Marsh, who returned to the Test side after four years, celebrated his comeback in his style. He played a counter-attacking knock after Australia were reduced to 85/4 in the first session.
Knock
A solid knock from Marsh
England won the toss and elected to field at Headingley. And, the England bowlers justified this decision by removing Australia's top four inside 100 runs. However, Marsh defied the odds and took the English seamers to the cleaners. He paired up with Travis Head and took Australia past 200. Marsh reached his century off just 102 balls in the 48th over.
Comeback
An incredible comeback!
Marsh earned a call-up to the Australian XI after all-rounder Cameron Green got ruled out due to a hamstring strain. The former played his last Test during the 2019 Ashes at The Oval. Marsh came full circle in the UK and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He struck 15 fours and 3 sixes en route to his century.
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Chris Woakes dismisses Marsh
Marsh continued with his carnage even after completing his hundred. However, Chris Woakes outfoxed him on the final ball before tea. Marsh managed a run-a-ball 118, a knock laced with 17 fours and 4 sixes.
Numbers
First Test ton away from home
It is worth noting that each of Marsh's three Test centuries has come against England. However, this was his first Test ton away from home. Marsh, who made his Test debut in 2014, has now raced to 1,378 runs from 33 Tests at an average of 27.01. The tally includes five half-centuries as well. Marsh has a strike rate of 52.91 in the format.
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Marsh attains these feats
Marsh now has the joint-most centuries (3) from number six in the Ashes with Maurice Leyland, Doug Walters, and Steve Waugh. He is one of two players with a 100% conversion rate in the Ashes (minimum three tons), the other being England's Chris Broad.