Australia top order fires in Ashes warm up
Australia’s batsmen hit their straps in imperious style as the tourists’ Ashes preparations began in earnest on a run-laden opening day of their warm-up clash against Kent at Canterbury yesterday.
Left-handed opener Shaun Marsh, who filled in for the injured Chris Rogers alongside David Warner at the top of the order during Australia’s Caribbean tour, made a compelling case for retaining his place with an impressive century.
Rogers also showed form with a knock of 84, while No1 ranked Test batsman Steve Smith finished unbeaten on 71 and skipper Michael Clarke posted 56 as Australia closed day one on 348-3 after Kent had earlier won the toss and elected to bowl.