Marsh stakes Test claim with unbeaten ton

Western Australian left-hander Shaun Marsh gave his chances of a Test recall a timely shot in the arm with an unbeaten century against the Bushrangers in the Sheffield Shield on Tuesday.

With Michael Clarke all but ruled out of the first Test in Brisbane through injury and potential back-up Phil Hughes in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by a bouncer, Marsh pressed his claims with a commanding 134, including 12 fours and three sixes, after the Warriors won the toss and chose to bat at the MCG.

Marsh, however, said he had put any thoughts of a return to the Test team to one side going into the top-of-the-table clash against Victoria.

“I’ve just been focusing on playing well for WA,” Marsh said.

“I’ve really enjoyed coming back into the team after a long injury layoff. All I’m worrying about is trying to score as many runs as I can here and we’ll see what happens.

“My focus has been on trying to get back with the WA boys as quickly as possible and trying to score as many runs as possible. Higher honours for Australia I haven’t thought about at all. I’m focusing on the game ahead and playing well for WA.”

Marsh is still recovering from surgery to repair ligament damage in his left elbow sustained while playing for Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League in July.

He admitted he was still only at about 50 per cent strength throwing in the field, but says it is not an issue with bat in hand, as evidenced by the three towering sixes he hit off successive balls from Fawad Ahmed to reach his century.

“I got to 95 and thought that if it was in my zone again I’d have a crack and luckily enough it went over the fence,” he said.

“It was nice to get there quickly.”

Chairman of the National Selection Panel Rod Marsh was at the ground and Shaun Marsh said he found him after the close of play to offer his congratulations on the unbeaten innings.

Marsh’s 244-run partnership with Cameron Bancroft, who was dismissed on 132 late in the day, put the Warriors in a strong position at 5-287 at stumps on day one after being in trouble early at 3-39.

John Hastings was the pick of the Bushrangers bowlers with 2-36 from 20 overs, while Mitch Marsh is the other not out batsman with two runs.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!