'Worst Nightmare': Mitchell Marsh Recounts Facing Belligerent Mark Wood on Day 1 of Headingley Test
Marsh scored 118 on the first day of Headingley Test [AP Photo]
Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has opened up on the challenge he faced when confronted by an assault from an unabating Mark Wood during the inaugural day of the third Ashes 2023 Test at Headingley in Leeds on Thursday. Marsh's inclusion in the Test playing XI was a result of the untimely injury sustained by the preferred all-rounder Cameron Green.
Mitchell Marsh opens up on facing Mark Wood
As the English seamers ran riot with the new ball, Marsh found himself forced to stride purposefully to the crease. The Australian top order was left flummoxed, unable to provide an effective response to the sensational deliveries unleashed by a charged-up Wood.
With his breathtaking pace and the prevailing conditions favouring him immensely, the speedster posed a huge challenge to the Australian batters.
In a conversation with SEN Cricket, Marsh expressed the challenging nature of the initial ten-minute period, labelling it as his worst nightmare to return to the game only to find himself batting before lunch with the team struggling at 4/80. However, the returning all-rounder asserted that he quickly engaged in the contest and adapted to the circumstances.
“It was a tough 10 minutes there. Worst nightmare first game back going in before lunch at 4/80. But I felt calm, to be honest. I felt I was able to get into the contest very quickly," said Marsh.
Having weathered the initial storm, Marsh adapted brilliantly and got going in the subsequent session. Luck favoured him when a golden opportunity slipped through the hands of Joe Root in the slip cordon.
Seizing upon this stroke of fortune, the 31-year-old unleashed a breathtaking display of counter-attacking batting, scoring 118 runs off as many balls. In the process, he also became the Aussie batter with the second-fastest century in England.
With conviction in his voice, Marsh shared the difficult journey he undertook to reach a stage where he could stride onto the field with total confidence and pride in his abilities. Determined to make his mark, the lanky cricketer revealed that he approached the innings with a desire to display his unique style of play.
“I’ve worked really hard to get myself to a point where I can walk out with my chest out and be confident in my ability. It hasn’t always been the case in Test cricket and I’m certainly not alone when it comes to that. I walked out there and wanted to play my way,” he added.
Marsh brought up his third Test ton with each one of them scored against England. His magnificent innings provided the backbone for Australia's total of 263 runs in their first innings.
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