Shaun is reserve quality
Century states case
SHAUN Marsh scored a second hundred from as many matches this Ashes tour to show he’s ready to go for the third Test in Birmingham should opener Chris Rogers be scratched due to injury.
Rogers is racing against the clock to prove his fitness for Edgbaston as he continues to recover from dizzy spells caused by being hit in the head at Lord’s.
Marsh also replaced Rogers at the top of the order when the 37-year-old was ruled out of the two Tests in the West Indies last month with concussion, and he is again firmly in the frame for another injury-induced call-up.
Like Marsh, David Warner smashed 101 retired on day one of the tour match against Derbyshire, with out-of-favour all-rounder Shane Watson also putting his name back up in lights with a dashing 61 in Australia’s 9/413 at stumps.
Peter Nevill is in the box seat to retain his place in the side for the third Test, after he was picked to keep wicket in the first innings and bat ahead of Brad Haddin (32) in the battle of the glovemen at Derby.
It was Haddin’s first match back since missing the Lord’s Test due to personal reasons and although he comfortably outscored Nevill (1), indications suggest he’s going to struggle to regain his spot.
Warner’s hundred off just 108 balls with 13 fours and one six was the innings of the day.
Marsh’s was the most encouraging for selectors, who will still be sweating over Rogers’ availability.
“Definitely my mindset over the last couple of weeks has been that I’m ready to go if there’s an opportunity down the track and it’s just good to get out there today and hit a few balls in the middle and I’ve just got to keep it going now,” Marsh said.
“I was (champing at the bit) you know. I’d done a lot of training in the nets so it was nice to get back out with the boys again and to get in a game situation and felt that as my innings went on I got better, so it was nice to get three figures.
Marsh was unlucky to be dropped for the first Ashes Test after a run of five consecutive matches in the Australian side, but he can do little more at the moment s he fires at every opportunity.
Mitchell Marsh smashed a tidy 53 off 81 balls to continue his magic run of form.