Ashes 2023: Play of the day from ENG vs AUS third Test, Day 1

Mitchell Marsh of Australia celebrates his century with Steve Smith. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The third Test of the Ashes 2023 finally got underway at Headingley on Thursday, July 6. Coming in to bat first after losing the toss, Australia got off to the worst possible start to their first innings, as the veteran opener, David Warner was sent packing for just four runs by Stuart Broad. Furthermore, the entirety of the Australian top-order failed to make an impact on the game as Usman Khawaja was sent back to the pavilion for 13 runs, with Marnus Labuschagne only amassing 21 runs as well.

Furthermore, the ace batter Steve Smith failed to make an impact in his landmark 100th Test as he was dismissed for just 22 runs. As the Australian batting order looked to be collapsing, it was the knock of Mitchell Marsh that stabilised the visitor’s innings. It is worth noting that Marsh got his place in the starting lineup after Cameron Green injured his hamstring after the second Test.

Watch the video of Mitchell Marsh’s fabulous Ashes century here:

Mitch Marsh BazBall innings against England is going viral🧐🔥

Marsh grabbed opportunity with both hands and scored fabulous century under difficult situation! #Ashes#ENGvAUSpic.twitter.com/zoKqniCiRW

— Nilesh G (@oye_nilesh) July 6, 2023

Marsh made an emphatic comeback with a scintillating century to rescue Australia

Mitchell Marsh donned the baggy green for the first time in four years and got back to business right away as he executed the play of the day. After a long hiatus from Test cricket, the 31-year-old came back like it was nothing and played a fabulous knock. Marsh hit a brilliant 118 runs in just as many deliveries to bring Australia back into the game and smooth their first innings performance. The all-rounder’s knock helped his side to a total of 240 runs at the loss of five wickets when tea was called.

After a shaky start to the innings, Marsh’s knock must have brought about confidence in the Australian camp. It could be interesting to see how big a total the Aussies would be able to notch up in the first innings. Having won the first two Tests, the Pat Cummins-led side will be relatively relaxed as compared to the English camp, which will be desperate to capture a win in order to claw their way back into the series.