Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh admitted he was lost for words after his fine all-round performance on the opening day of the third Ashes Test against England at Leeds, Headingley on Thursday. Marsh, who replaced injured Cameron Green, scored a fine knock of 118 runs to help his team post 263 runs on the board after Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bowl first.
In fact, Marsh joined forces with Travis Head with Australia reeling at 85-4 after Steve Smith, playing his 100th Test match, was dismissed after scoring 22. Marsh had the rub of the green on his side as he was dropped by Joe Root when he was only on 12 runs off the bowling of Chris Woakes.
The all-rounder made the most of his second life and played with an aggressive approach, especially after reaching his fifty. Marsh scored 17 fours and four sixes in his blistering knock as he took England bowlers to the cleaners.
Marsh added a fine alliance of 155 runs with Travis Head, who played second fiddle with his knock of 39 runs.
Mitchell Marsh said while talking to BBC Sport, “It was pretty amazing. I’m a little lost for words. It was a crazy day. It was nice to be back wearing my baggy green and it was a long time coming. It has taken a lot of hard work. I chose to have ankle surgery and missed the last Australian summer to get on this tour, knowing I was going to be Greeny’s understudy. So I’m really proud to be able to get back.”
Marsh added he is proud of the work he has put behind the scenes to handle the pressure in a better way.
“I feel part of the squad even though I haven’t played and that’s a testament to our leadership. That’s why we have had a lot of guys come in and contribute at different times. I think I’m the first man to score a Test hundred on a UK holiday. Coming in before lunch today was some of the toughest conditions I have come in in my Test career so far. I’m really proud of the work I have done mentally to overcome nerves and get into the contest as quickly as possible.”
Apart from scoring a fine century, Marsh also got the big wicket of Zak Crawley, who was going well after scoring 33 runs. England ended the opening day’s play at 68-3 and trail Australia by 195 runs.
