The hilarious hug (Source: @ICC/x.com)
Calling the Ashes a periodic thriller of intense red-ball action wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Over the years, the fiery rivalry between England and Australia captivated fans’ hearts, delivering some unmissable moments.
The Ashes have always delivered thrilling cricket, but some quirky moments stole the spotlight too. In the Ashes 2017-18, Shaun Marsh hugged his brother Mitchell Marsh for a century celebration, even before he reached the century mark.
Amid all the high-octane action, a hilarious moment had fans laughing out loud. As another edition of the Ashes is on the way, let’s relive the moment once again.
Marsh siblings’ early-century celebration nearly costs a run out
Whenever an edition of the Ashes takes the center stage, the unreal drama and thrills follow suit. The century-long rivalry never had a dull moment in its history. While fiery battles dominate the field, some offbeat and comical incidents often steal the spotlight, adding a lighter, unforgettable twist to the high-voltage clashes.
In the Ashes 2017-18, England and Australia faced off in the fifth Test of the series. When the Sydney crowd expected some fiery face-offs, the rivals delivered the thrills, but a special moment between the sibling duo, Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Marsh, grabbed the attention when their early celebration almost put the team into deep trouble.
After England put on a total of 346 runs while batting first, Australia came to bat. The Marsh brothers dismantled England’s lethal bowling attack with ease, but amidst their punishing strokes, a hilarious blunder stole the spotlight.
During the game, Mitchell Marsh was just two runs away from a century, and when they set off for the second run, the emotion struck high. In the heat of the moment, Shaun Marsh rushed to hug his brother mid-pitch, before either had reached their crease, creating a heart-stopping moment with a very real risk of a run-out.
Realizing the blunder, Mitchell quickly pushed Shaun away, completing the run and safely reaching his century. Watching this brain-fade moment on the field, captain Steve Smith was fuming from the dugout.
Shaun and Mitchell Marsh’s twin centuries crush England
Chasing the 347 run target, Australia lost a quick wicket as Cameron Bancroft walked away on a duck, but David Warner and Usman Khawaja’s 86-run partnership steadied the ship. After Warner walked away scoring a half-century, Shaun Marsh and Steve Smith’s 188-run partnership gave a massive boost.
After Smith was dismissed, scoring 83, Khawaja walked away scoring 171 runs. As there was no sign from the Aussies of their ruthless domination, the sibling duo, Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Marsh’s 169-run partnership, made Australia’s foundation stronger.
After Mitchell Marsh returned to the pavilion scoring 101 runs, Shaun Marsh played an exceptional innings of 156 runs in 291 deliveries. When Australia took the ball in the second innings, their bowlers dismantled England for just 180, sealing a commanding victory by an innings and 123 runs.
Throughout its storied history, the Ashes has given fans countless thrilling and intense on-field battles. Yet, moments like this add a touch of comedy, giving the series an extra layer of charm. Along with the fiery contest, this might often etch memories into fans’ hearts forever.
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