Mitchell Marsh reminds selectors what he’s capable of

The knives were out for the all-rounder after a lean two-Test series against Pakistan where he scored just 30 runs at an average of 7.5 but he had the best possible response to those calling for his axing.

Marsh, captaining the side, reached triple figures just before lunch on day three, hitting 19 fours and four sixes en route to his 151 — his 10th first class century — as he helped guide Western Australia to a first innings lead in its clash against Queensland at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.

He was eventually dismissed after 301 balls by UAE Test debutant Marnus Labuschagne, with Sam Heazlett taking the catch after the ball ballooned off the outside edge.

The home side piled on 9/448 declared across days one and two and Marsh initally played a lone hand as he tried to save the Warriors from embarrassment. Batting at No. 4, the 27-year-old came to the crease with his side in trouble at 2/37 before the visitors lost another wicket to slump to 3/42.

Marsh combined with Ashton Turner (48) for a 112-run fourth wicket stand but when he was dismissed by Mark Steketee and David Moody followed for one, the pressure was back on.

But Marsh didn’t buckle, showing plenty of resilience as he headed to lunch unbeaten on 100 from 204 balls alongside Will Bosisto (38 not out).

Bosisto has also played a key role with an unbeaten 132 at stumps helped WA to a two-run lead.

Marsh and Bosisto’s 185-run stand was a key as WA went from 5/156 to 6/341.

Jhye Richardson has chipped in with a handy 36 not out as Western Australia finished the day at 7/450 at stumps on day three.

Mitchell Marsh was in fine form.Source:AAP

Marsh pulled and punched through the off side with authority on day two as he launched his rescue mission, racing to 29 off 21 balls. He brought his half century with a cover drive for four off leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson from his 87th delivery and powered towards three figures when he started day three on 62.

Marsh and Bosisto guided Western Australia to 5/200 as Queensland searched for its opening breakthrough of the day. The newly appointed Test joint vice-captain then raised his bat for the second time when he creamed Michael Neser to the cover boundary off his 201st ball.

Bosisto embraced his partner and Marsh kissed the Western Australia logo on his helmet as he saluted his teammates.

The pair kept keeping Queensland’s attack at bay, moving to 5/265 as Bosisto scored a half century of his own in the second session.

Marsh and brother Shaun have faced a barrage of criticism after the tour of the UAE, which saw Australia’s batsmen — bar Usman Khawaja and Travis Head in the first Test draw — falter. Shaun mustered just 14 runs in four digs and at 35, faces an uncertain future in the baggy green.

Shane Warne has said repeatedly he doesn’t believe Mitch has cemented his position in the Test line-up and called on him to make bulk runs in the Sheffield Shield to push his case for a starting berth against India this summer.

Last month Warne had a go at picking his best Test side — three times — and Mitch was absent from the team sheet on each occasion. He might find himself there now after today’s knock.

The pressure on both Marsh men is a far cry from the love they were feeling last summer. Mitch was parachuted back into the Test side for the third Ashes Test against England in Perth and smashed his maiden Test ton (181), then followed it up with a sparkling 101 at the SCG two matches later.

He carried his good form with the bat to South Africa, top scoring for the Aussies with 96 in the first innings of the first Test in Durban. He chipped in with 45 in the second Test but since then has failed to reach 20 in his past eight innings.

Once considered a short form lock, the severity of Mitch’s vulnerable position was made abundantly clear when he was left out of Australia’s ODI squad to face South Africa. Selectors instead decided to go with Marcus Stoinis for the seam-bowling all-rounder position.

It wasn’t so long ago the Marsh brothers were the toast of Australian cricket.Source:AFP

Shaun was a surprise pick for the opening Test of the summer but backed the selectors’ faith by scoring a crucial 51 in Brisbane and a matchwinning 126 not out in the day-night Test in Adelaide.

He capped off his summer with a fine 156 in Sydney but has failed to reach 50 in his next six Tests in South Africa and the UAE.