Australia vs England 2nd Test Day 2: Starc makes early breakthrough after Marsh’s hundred

Posted on by
Shaun Marsh century Australia England Ashes cricket

Shaun Marsh is over the moon after scoring his fifth Test century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Following a sensational 126 not out from Australia batsman Shaun Marsh, left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc made a crucial breakthrough before the end of play as he took out England opener Mark Stoneman.

Starting off the day on 209/4, Australia were unable to add any runs to their overnight score before Peter Handscomb was given out lbw off the bowling of Stuart Broad for 36.

Marsh and Tim Paine made up for the early loss of Handscomb with a 85-run partnership, during which Paine brought up his fifty.

However, he was unable to convert it into a bigger score as he was dismissed by debutant Craig Overton for 57, which came off 102 balls and included six boundaries and a six.

Even though Starc fell shortly after, Marsh and Pat Cummins steadied the innings with a 99-run partnership, during which Marsh registered his hundred.

However, shortly after Cummins was dismissed for a career-best 44, Australia decided to declare on 442/8.

Marsh finished on 126 off 231 balls, which included 15 boundaries and a six, while Nathan Lyon struck a six during his unbeaten knock of 10.

Overton was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Broad snapped up two, and Chris Woakes and James Anderson chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Trailing by 442 runs, England got off to a disappointing start as opener Mark Stoneman was given out lbw off the bowling of Starc for 18.

Stoneman reviewed the decision, but the original decision was upheld as replays showed that the ball was pitching in line and going on to crash into leg stump.

However, Australia’s charge was halted when the rain came and since it didn’t relent, play was brought to an end for the day.

Alastair Cook finished on 11 off 28 balls, which included a boundary, while James Vince has yet to get off the mark.

Starc was the only bowler to take a wicket.

England ended day two on 29/1 and will continue batting on Monday at 14:00 local time or 03:30 GMT.

Leave a Reply