Internet Desk: An unbeaten century from Shaun Marsh took Australia into a position of dominance before Mitchell Starc further battered England’s confidence, leaving the hosts on top after two days of the pink-ball Ashes test at the Adelaide Oval.
Asked to bat first, Australia piled a huge 442/8 declared after 149 overs. Mitchell Starc trapped English opener Mark Stoneman leg before before the close of stumps to put more pressure on the visitors.
The hosts resumed at 4-209 on Sunday, with Marsh on 20. They slipped to 5-209 when Broad trapped Peter Handscomb lbw with the third delivery of the day, then screamed in the Victorian’s face in a send-off that could be punished by the match referee.
But Marsh, who started his knock at 8.47pm on Saturday night and spent twice as long at the crease as any other batsman in the match, remained a picture of patience.
As was the case in Australia’s 10-wicket win at the Gabba, Pat Cummins batted superbly to hammer home Australia’s advantage. Cummins (44) and Marsh put on a 99-run stand, all but breaking the visitors’ spirit.
Marsh, barring an lbw dismissal on 29 that prompted a successful review and a chance on 102 that Alastair Cook and James Vince made a meal of, batted with with great composure to see off the second new ball then reach three figures with a powerful pull shot that sent the ball fizzing to the rope.
Marsh earlier played second fiddle in an 85-run stand with Tim Paine, who successfully reviewed an lbw dismissal on 24 before he was out pulling on 57.