Mitchell maiden ton leaves family with full hearts, fuller bladders
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SUPERSTITION The Marshs take same seats, avoid loo to keep bad luck at bay
Mitchell Marsh revelled in reaching his maiden Test hundred for Australia against England in Perth, although it perhaps made uncomfortable watching for members of his family.
In his 22nd appearance, Marsh reached three figures for the first time with a glittering unbeaten 181 on day three of the third Ashes Test at the WACA, his home ground.
The all-rounder enjoyed an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 301 with captain Steve Smith (229no) as Australia dominated England to reach stumps on Saturday 549/4, a lead of 146.
Marsh subsequently revealed a family superstition that may have left father Geoff, a 50-Test cap Australian, crossing his legs in the stands. “I know exactly where they sit,” Marsh, who walked to the crease at 248/4 following the dismissal of brother Shaun, told Channel Nine.
“My family aren’t allowed to go to the toilet while I’m batting so there’s probably a few full bladders up there!
“It’s only taken 22 Tests, but it’s a great feeling. I’ve been pretty relaxed this time around and was looking forward to getting out there. I worked hard to get back and this is the reward.
“It was raw emotion. That’s what you strive to do, we kept each other going the whole day. It’s something I’ll look back on in a couple of years’ time and remember.”
Smith, meanwhile, was brought a chair to rest his legs during a drinks break late in the day, but the Australia skipper insisted fatigue was not a problem after reaching a sublime double century and his highest Test score. “It’s a good sore!” he said. “Any time you spend that amount of time out in the middle you’ll feel sore but that’s why we play the game, to have moments like that.”
Asked when he plans to declare, Smith added: “That is for me to know and you to find out! We’ll see how we go in the morning, it’s a great day for Australia and hopefully we can back it up tomorrow.” Smith makes a second Test double hundred, reaching stumps 229 not out for his highest score in the longest form.
Marsh (181no) brings up his maiden Test century, joining brother Shaun and father Geoff in reaching three figures for his country.
Australia close 549-4, 146 ahead of England and with one hand on the urn.
PERTH:
- This is the first time Australia have scored centuries at number six in consecutive innings since Damien Martyn’s 117 vs South Africa at Sydney 2001-02 and his 133 vs the Proteas at Johannesburg 2002.
- Smith is the fourth player in Ashes history to make multiple scores of 200+ (Bradman eight, Hammond four, Simpson also two).
- This is Smith’s seventh ton against England, tied 12th-most overall and the most of any current Test batsman (Amla six).