Ashes 2023: Michael Atherton, Kumar Sangakkara in awe of Mitchell Marsh's fiery show on opening day of Headingley Test

The opening day of the Headingley Test of Ashes 2023 didn’t go as per plans for the visitors as they failed to stamp their authority after being well-settled in the series by 2-0. Australia, after being invited to bat first, saw their top-order vanishing in no time as Stuart Broad and Mark Wood turned lethal. However, Mitchell Marsh turned out to be the tourist’s absolute savior in odd hours and smashed a brave 118 off 118 to bring some balance.

In the same context, former cricketers Kumar Sangakkara and Michael Atherton heaped praise on the batter. The former Lankan star called Marsh’s innings game-changing and also lauded his strength. Marsh, in his sturdy innings, hit 17 fours and four sixes to bring hopes for the Australian side.

“Possibly a game-changing moment. It probably helped Marsh that England went short to start with. That is his real strength, hitting the pull shot. He has great power. It was a great lesson for Green on how you impose yourself if your game is about power,” said Sangakkara on Sky Sports after the day’s game.

Atherton added how Marsh’s innings were special and surprising as he wasn’t expected to be a part of the mix. Atherton stated that the Australian played like it was a bit of a free hit and he went all guns blazing to make the most of his chances. 

“It was a special innings and a surprising one as we didn’t expect him to play! There was no inkling Green had a hamstring strain yesterday. That probably helped Marsh. He played like it was a bit of a free hit. He was going to go for it and boy he went for it!” stated Atherton on Australian’s power-packed innings.

On the opening day of the third Test, Australia got wrapped up on 263 runs and English players walked on the crease, ending the day with 68 runs for three losses.