Ashes: England in trouble after Shaun Marsh's century

Australia middle-order batsman slams unbeaten 126 to put tourists on back foot on Day Two of the second Ashes Test

England stumbled, losing an early wicket, before rain forced play to be abandoned on Day Two of the second Ashes Test yesterday after Australia had declared their first innings on 442 for eight. Mitchell Starc struck in the seventh over, trapping Mark Stoneman leg before wicket for 18, to leave the tourists a shaky 29 for one when rain brought an early finish at Adelaide Oval. Alastair Cook was on 11 with James Vince yet to score in the first-ever Ashes day-night Test. Stoneman wasted a review, which only confirmed the umpire's decision, to end a dire day for the tourists.

Australia's Shaun Marsh celebrates after reaching his century on Day Two of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

Shaun Marsh earlier claimed his fifth Test century as Australia tightened the screws on England, making captain Joe Root pay for sending the home side in to bat. Marsh scored a watchful and undefeated 126 off 231 balls. Australia's score surpassed their previous best in pink-ball Tests, 383 in the first innings of last year's day-night match against South Africa in Adelaide. Steve Smith called a halt to the innings shortly after the dinner break after Pat Cummins was dismissed for 44. Marsh went for quick runs ahead of the declaration, including a towering six off Stuart Broad, while Nathan Lyon also clouted a six off Craig Overton in his 10 not out. England suffered further indignity just before the dinner break.

Cook and Vince collided going for the same catch off Marsh in the gully and the chance off Chris Woakes went begging. Marsh and Tim Paine both vindicated their controversial Test recalls as Australia took firm charge. Marsh, in his eighth recall to the Australian team, backed up his 51 in Brisbane to strengthen Australia's position. "I haven't thought about all the incidental noise [criticism] and my selection for the team," Marsh said. "I've just tried to come in and feel nice and relaxed. I've felt good about my game in the last three or four months. Six months ago, I wasn't sure whether I'd be back. I'd always dreamt of getting back in."

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