Shaun's return surpassed mine: Mitch Marsh
Dec 17, 2017 - 2:43 AM As elated as he was to post a maiden Test century, Mitch Marsh felt his brother's effort at Adelaide Oval was even more special.The younger Marsh was trapped lbw on 181 on day four of the third Ashes Test, unable to add to his overnight score at the WACA. He demoralised England in a 301-run stand with skipper Steve Smith.
The recalled allrounder can't remember much of the emotive celebration triggered by his hundred on Saturday, describing it as "pure elation".
Mitch Marsh's career highlight came a week-and-a-half after Shaun Marsh's unbeaten 126 earned him man-of-the-match honours - and Australia a 2-0 lead in the series.
It's the first time in 15 years that Australia's No.6 batsman has scored tons in consecutive Tests.
"It was probably more special for Shaun because, two months ago, I can tell you he didn't really think he was ever going to play for Australia again," Mitch Marsh said.
"I remember sitting at his house when he got selected, we had a cold beer together and he was pretty emotional.
"For him to have done what he's done the last couple of Test matches, it just goes to show you can't really give up.
"He's in great form. Hopefully, he can hold onto his spot for a long time now."
Shaun Marsh feared his international career was over after being cut from Cricket Australia's contract list and axed from the Test XI for this year's tour of Bangladesh.
Mitch Marsh also harboured plenty of self doubt when he returned in March from India, having been booked in for a shoulder reconstruction after the second Test of that four-match series.
"I certainly had moments throughout my shoulder rehab when I thought maybe I wasn't going to get back," Mitch said.
"Because it takes a long time and, as an athlete, whenever you're out, it's all about getting back as soon as you can.
"I had frustrating moments. It's certainly all worth it now.
"I've worked extremely hard on my batting. That's the one area that was going to keep me out of the Australian team."
The brothers' father Geoff proudly watched Saturday's play, almost 30 years after he and Mark Taylor shared a series-defining stand at Trent Bridge in the 1989 Ashes.
Mitch Marsh surpassed his dad's highest Test score of 138, but was unable to better his brother's career-best mark of 182.
"I'll let dad know I passed him," Mitch said.
"It's pretty special. Dad always had a photo of him and Mark Taylor walking off the ground with the scorecard, in his bar. I grew up looking at that photo."
Source: AAP
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