Shaun Marsh’s inclusion in the Ashes squad met with widespread criticism, and it was not very surprising considering the fact the southpaw had squandered the chance to impress in his last seven call-ups to the Test team. Another failure would have been a huge blow for the 34-year old, but he has not let that happen.
Marsh delivered an impressive performance in the first innings of the just-concluded Adelaide Test which turned out to be a decisive one in the end and Australia’s new number six was rightly given the Man of the Match Award. Marsh had remained unbeaten on 126, as Australia recovered from a shaky start to post a competitive 442 for eight.
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Marsh had come to bat when Australia was reeling at 161 for four with the likes of Steven Smith and David Warner back in the hut. However, Marsh not only held firm from one end but fired the hosts to a good total. He shared an 85-run partnership with Tim Paine and then a 99-run stand with No.9 Pat Cummins.
Australia went on to win the game by 120 runs to go 2-0 up in the five-match series. Defending 344, Australia needed six wickets on the final day, and the hosts did not take long to complete the proceedings, bowling England out for just 233.
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Speaking after the game, Marsh said scoring a hundred was an ‘unbelievable feeling’ before saying he was looking forward to playing the next game in his hometown.
“Unbelievable feeling. To get a hundred was a great feeling. The way the bowlers came out and finished the job was amazing. Very happy overall. Looking forward to playing at hometown Perth. Few days to recharge and we’ll have a crack at Perth,” he said at the presentation ceremony.
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