Australia, initially reeling at 16/4 in the second innings of the Boxing Day match against Pakistan at the MCG, staged an impressive recovery, surpassing the 200-run mark on Day 3. This turnaround was orchestrated by a resilient partnership of 153 runs for the fifth wicket between Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith.
Despite Smith’s struggle to accelerate, maintaining a strike rate in the 30s, Marsh showcased his trademark audacious style, slamming 14 boundaries in a potentially match-defining innings. Yet, falling just short of a fourth Test century was bittersweet for Marsh.
Early in Marsh’s innings, Abdullah Shafique missed a straightforward catch at first slip when Marsh was on 20. However, luck didn’t favor Marsh twice as he edged another ball, this time off Mir Hamza, and Salman Agha Ali, now in the slip position, redeemed Pakistan with a stunning diving catch, grabbing the speeding Kookaburra with one hand.
Marsh’s jubilant celebration upon reaching a milestone contrasted with the regretful expression captured on the face of his father, Geoff Marsh, a revered Australian cricketer, who was seen visibly disappointed in the stands.
Mitch Marsh gone for 96 – to an absolute belter at first slip from Agha Salman! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/KNUP3kDr3j
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2023
This incident mirrored a similar sentiment from a prior Test match where Mitchell Marsh fell short, scoring 90 in Perth. Social media, particularly Twitter, buzzed with commentary from fans and pundits alike, dissecting the happenings at the Victoria ground.