Marsh silences critics with unbeaten Ashes ton

Adelaide, Australia: Shaun Marsh answered his critics with a fighting unbeaten century to put Australia firmly in charge of the second Ashes Test against England in Adelaide on Sunday.

The experienced left-hander, in his eighth recall to the Australian team, put together his fifth century in his 25th Test, an unconquered 126 off 231 balls which lifted the home side to 442 for eight declared.

When rain brought an early finish to day two, the tourists were 29 for one and trailing the Australians by 413 runs with three days remaining.

Marsh, along with wicketkeeper Tim Paine, were the major surprises in the Australian team for the opening Ashes Tests. But the 34-year-old batsman has staked his claim for retention with another solid innings at number six. 

He backed up his 51 in Brisbane to bring his series tally to 177 runs and strengthen Australia's middle order.

"There's a lot of relief there. I'm just really happy," Marsh said. "I haven't thought about all the incidental noise (criticism) and my selection for the team.

Of the criticism before the series about his selection, Marsh added: "I didn't read a thing. I knew there was some extra noise but I just stayed away and focused on preparing well.

"Six months ago I wasn’t sure whether I'd be back here. I'd always dreamt of getting back in."

Marsh was the bulwark of the Australian innings, hitting 15 fours and a towering six off Stuart Broad in his first Ashes Test hundred.