Mitchell Marsh creates history with spectacular century on unique ‘holiday tour’ adventure

Mitchell Marsh’s selection for the Ashes was called into question. Marsh had not played Test cricket in four years and was only chosen as a backup for Cameron Green, who missed the Headingley Test due to a hamstring injury, and he seized the opportunity with both hands. He only played four first-class matches in four years, but he scored an undefeated 108 in the final one in March in Perth.

The Australian all-rounder admitted there were times when he feared “he might not get back” after returning to Test cricket following a four-year sabbatical. He celebrated his test homecoming on Thursday with a century and a wicket as Australia lead England by 195 runs after the first day of the third Ashes test at Headingley.

It’s always a bit of a surprise: Mitchell Marsh

Marsh said, “I mean, it’s always a bit of a surprise and very unfortunate for Greeny (Cameron Green). He has a very minor hamstring injury. It feels like I’ve been his understudy for years now on a lot of tours. We have a great squad mentality in this group. On a long tour, you always get a chance at some stage, I just wanted to stay ready. I’m the first man to score a Test ton on a UK holiday.”

“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. It was a great battle with Wood). I’ve grown up at the WACA. Sink or swim when playing fast bowling.”

Marsh commented on Australia’s greeting in Leeds, saying that the fans in Headingley’s West Stand “can get a bit loose,” adding that he would love to spend a day with them. England were 68-3 at the end of Day 1, trailing by 195 runs. Joe Root was on 19 and Jonny Bairstow on 1.