Mitchell Marsh Has Return In 3rd Ashes Test

Mitchell Marsh Has Return In 3rd Ashes Test

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Mitchell Marsh played an excellent innings, scoring 118 runs off just 118 balls, to lead Australia’s batting effort on the first day of the third Ashes Test at Headingley. Despite a collapse in their batting lineup, Marsh’s century was the highlight of Australia’s total score of 263 runs. England’s fast bowler Mark Wood was the standout performer, taking 5 wickets for 34 runs and putting the hosts in a strong position after their captain, Ben Stokes, chose to bowl first on a pitch that favored the bowlers.

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, made an impact with the ball as well, reducing England to 22/2 early in their innings. However, Marsh’s contribution wasn’t limited to batting alone. Playing his first Test match in nearly four years, Marsh showcased the tourists’ superior fielding skills by taking a brilliant catch at first slip to dismiss Zak Crawley for 33 runs.

At the end of the day’s play, England were struggling at 68/3, trailing Australia by 195 runs. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 19 runs, while Jonny Bairstow was not out on 1 run. However, England had missed crucial opportunities to dismiss Marsh earlier in his innings. Root dropped a straightforward catch at first slip when Marsh had only scored 12 runs, and Bairstow failed to hold a catch when Travis Head was on 9 runs. These missed chances proved costly for England, who were already trailing 2-0 in the five-match series.

Marsh’s century was a vital contribution to Australia’s innings, particularly as he shared a 155-run partnership with Travis Head, who scored 39 runs. Marsh had been selected for the Test match after fellow all-rounder Cameron Green was ruled out due to a hamstring strain. Reflecting on his performance, Marsh expressed his pride in making a comeback to the Test team after undergoing ankle surgery and missing the previous summer’s cricket season.

However, Australia’s innings suffered a collapse after reaching 240/4. Wood, who was making his return to the Test side after playing against Pakistan in December, took six wickets in total, dismantling Australia’s tail. His performance was crucial for England, who were already a bowler short after Ollie Robinson left the field with a back spasm.

Marsh played an authoritative innings, driving and cutting England’s fast bowlers with confidence. He even hit a six off Moeen Ali to reach 99 runs before completing his century off just 102 balls, which included 15 fours and three sixes. However, Marsh eventually fell to Chris Woakes, inside-edging the ball onto his thigh and being caught by Crawley at second slip.

Following Marsh’s dismissal, Australia’s innings quickly crumbled, with Wood picking up more wickets. He clean bowled Mitchell Starc and had Pat Cummins dismissed for a duck, both in quick succession. Wood completed his five-wicket haul by bowling Todd Murphy, achieving his best Test performance in England and his fourth five-wicket haul in his 29-match career.

England’s frustration from their previous controversial defeat at Lord’s was evident as some spectators booed the Australian players. However, the mood quickly changed when Stuart Broad dismissed David Warner with a brilliant catch by Crawley at slip. Wood continued to showcase his impact by bowling Usman Khawaja with a thunderous delivery that knocked down the leg stump. Steve Smith, playing in his 100th Test match, started well but was caught behind off Broad for 22 runs.

The first day of the third Ashes Test witnessed an enthralling battle between bat and ball, with both teams experiencing moments of success and missed opportunities. England ended the day in a challenging position, hoping for a strong comeback in the remaining days of the Test match.

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