Debutant Shaun Marsh scored his maiden century and Michael Hussey hit a 14th Test ton before rain halted Australia’s progress in the second Test against Sri Lanka.
The two put on 258 for the fourth wicket as the tourists moved to 411 for seven in their first innings on the third day, a lead of 237 runs with three wickets in hand.
Marsh made 141 and Hussey scored 142 with only 40.3 overs bowled in the day as heavy rain washed out play after lunch.
With more rain forecast, Australia captain Michael Clarke may be forced to make an early declaration in a bid for a series-clinching victory.
Hussey and Marsh, who resumed at 264 for three, stayed together until the former was dismissed by part-timer Thilan Samaraweera. The two left-handers reached their respective centuries in the same over from off-spinner Suraj Randiv.
Marsh happy on dream debut
Marsh was left in disbelief after recording a century on debut.
“It’s very surreal at the moment, a very proud day,” he said. “I still can’t believe it. Just to be even playing Test cricket and to go there and get a hundred in my first innings. You dream of that sort of stuff.
“There were nerves when I first went out there. I relaxed when I got off the mark, and today was pretty nerve-wracking. I just tried to forget what score I was on.”
Marsh had come into the Test side in place of former captain Ricky Ponting, who had to return home for the birth of his second child but will return before the final Test.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 11th, 2011.
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