Marsh shines against Kent

SHAUN Marsh made his claim for a place in Australia’s Test team with a century against Kent on the opening day of their Ashes tour.The left-handed opener, 31, scored 114 as Australia racked up 348-3 after being put in to bat on a true pitch under cloudless skies in Canterbury.
Chris Rogers, vying with Marsh for an opening spot, made 84, while captain Michael Clarke scored 56 off 73 balls.
Steve Smith was unbeaten on 71 at the close with Shane Watson eight not out.
Clarke’s men are playing Kent, who are bottom of Division Two of the County Championship, as part of their preparation for their defence of the Ashes, with the first of five Tests starting in Cardiff on July 8.
Following the day’s play, Marsh told the media: “I haven’t really thought too much about selection. It was nice batting out there with Chris today. I thought we worked really well together and kept each other going. I thought he batted really well so we’ll just have to wait and see what happens over the next couple of weeks.
“We want to play the brand of cricket we’ve been playing for a little bit and I thought today was a good step towards that. We’ve got a really important day tomorrow. Hopefully we can bat a bit more time and then the bowlers can come out and have a crack as well.”