Mitchell Marsh’s dad Geoff and brother Shaun in wild Bali bar celebration over Ashes century

Mitch Marsh not only broke England hearts on day one of the third Ashes Test, he helped melt tensions between the two nations with a series of jokes about his often maligned Test career and famous cricketing family.    

Returning to Test action after a four-year hiatus, Marsh played a match-saving knock of 118 runs off just 118 balls to rescue Australia from a precarious position in the third Ashes Test at Headingley. 

His blazing innings not only turned the tide for the visitors but also provided a much-needed moment of levity as he left the English media in stitches with his post-match humour – including a hilarious reference to the wild celebrations his famous cricket star father Geoff and brother Shaun launched into as they partied in Bali.

Facing a hostile reception at the start of the day, with sections of the crowd booing the national anthem, Australia found themselves in dire straits at 4-85. 

However, Marsh, along with Travis Head, orchestrated a remarkable partnership of 155 runs, single-handedly rescuing the team from the brink of disaster. 

Marsh celebrates with Travis Head after scoring a century while ‘on a UK holiday’ after being called up to the Ashes side to replace injured all-rounder Cameron Green

Not only did Marsh help lift Australia to a competitive first innings total, he was also able to chime in with an early breakthrough with the ball

To put their heroics into perspective, the rest of the Australian team could only muster 108 runs combined.

Marsh’s inclusion in the squad came as a result of Cameron Green picking up a minor hamstring strain in the second Test.

While Green has been a rising star, Marsh proved his worth by seizing the opportunity and delivering a masterclass on the field. 

His last Test appearance came in the 2019 Ashes series at The Oval, where he failed to make a significant impact with the bat. 

However, his exceptional bowling performance, taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings, showcased his potential as an all-rounder.

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In a lighthearted moment after the match, Marsh joked about his century, saying he had been enjoying a holiday in the UK before getting the call-up. 

‘Very unfortunate for Greeny with a very minor hamstring injury, but I feel like I’ve been his understudy for a few years now on a lot of tours,’ he quipped.

‘This group, we’ve had a great squad mentality and you know, my previous experience on long Test tours is you always get a chance at some stage.

‘So I just wanted to stay ready and I think I’m the first man to score a Test 100 on a UK holiday.’

It was a typically Aussie way to flip the negative media attention he had copped and also drew laughter from even the most stoic English media personalities.

As Marsh enjoyed a well-deserved rest overnight, his family celebrated his achievement in wild fashion. 

Shaun Marsh – his famous former Test-playing brother – and their cricket legend father Geoff were captured on camera going berserk as Mitch reached his century. 

The father and son were seen sharing ecstatic cheers and hugs in a bar.

‘It’s Shaun’s 40th in a couple of days time, so all the family is in Bali, so let’s hope he gets to 40,’ Mitch explained, drawing another round of laughter from the journalists.

The Marsh brothers have endured their fair share of criticism throughout their careers, with accusations of nepotism due to Geoff’s involvement as a former player, coach and selector.

(left to right) Shaun Marsh, Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh celebrate with the Ashes urn after regaining the trophy in the the 2017/18 series in Australia

The Marsh name is famous in cricket, with Shaun, Mitch and dad Geoff all enjoying successful international careers for Australia

Despite their undeniable talent, their performances at the Test level often fell short of expectations. 

However, with his resolute innings in this crucial Ashes Test, Mitch Marsh has silenced his critics – for now.

‘I’m really proud of the work that I’ve done mentally to be able to overcome nerves and get into the contest as quickly as I possibly can,’ Marsh said.

‘I think that comes with a bit of age, bit of growth and probably a bit of time away from the game to work on certain things.

Marsh’s memorable day didn’t end with his batting heroics. He also made an impact with the ball, claiming England’s third wicket when Zac Crawley fell to his pace bowling. 

‘The game is pretty evenly poised, one or two wickets tomorrow and we’re right in it,’ Marsh said.

England must secure a victory to keep their Ashes hopes alive, while Australia can retain the urn with a draw or secure their first series triumph in England since 2001 with a win.

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