Mitchell Marsh turned out to be the tourist’s absolute savior in odd hours and smashed a brave 118 to bring some balance.
The first day of the Headingley Test of Ashes 2023 didn’t go as planned for the crowd, as they failed to show authority after winning 2-0 in the series. Their top flight quickly disappeared as Stuart Broad and Mark Wood suffered fatal injuries after Australia were invited to play first. But Mitchell Marsh proved to be the tourist’s absolute savior in an unusual hour, hitting a valiant 118-of-118 to somewhat even out the game.
Similarly, former cricketers Kumar Sangakkala and Michael Atherton praised the batsmen. The former Lanka star called Marsh’s innings groundbreaking and also praised his strength. Marsh gave hope to the Australian team by hitting 17 fours and four sixes in a strong innings.
“Perhaps a breakthrough moment. Perhaps England’s lack of early on helped Marsh. That’s his real strength, hitting the pull shot. I have. It was a great lesson for Green on how to assert himself when he’s in power in the game,” Sangakkara told Sky Sports after the day’s game.
Atherton added that Marsh’s innings were special and a surprise as he was not expected to join the squad. Atherton said the Australian played like it was a free-kick and did everything he could to make the most of his chances.
“I didn’t expect him to play, so it was a special and surprising inning!” I had no idea Green hurt his hamstring yesterday. That probably helped Marsh. He played like it was a free kick. He wanted to try, he wanted to try! Atherton commented on the Australian’s strong innings.
On the first day of the Third Test, Australia scored her 263 and England’s players ran well over the goal line as he finished the day with 68 points and three defeats.
