Cook Scare Upstages Marshall Ton
Cricket: James Marshall scored a timely century for the Kiwis but Essex and England star Alastair Cook dislocated his finger attempting a catch
The Marshall twins enjoyed a remarkable day yesterday. To all intents and purposes identical in appearance, temperament and, apparently, ability, Hamish was scoring 105 for Gloucestershire while James hit a patient century of his own for New Zealand. In so doing he probably secured the No3 position for the first Test at Lord's in two weeks' time.
Shortly after James reached three figures there was a scare for England when Alastair Cook dislocated his little finger trying to catch a Daniel Vettori cut. But, subject to the result of an x-ray, Essex were confident he will be fit to bat today. Finding the man to replace Stephen Fleming, who averaged over 40 in 111 Tests, is a big problem for the Kiwis, but the 29-year-old Marshall may have done enough to get his chance.
The Essex groundsman has been told to leave a little more grass on the wickets this year, and with the ball swinging and seaming Tony Palladino's opening spell of nine overs included five maidens and the wicket of Jamie How.
Predictably, all five New Zealanders back after filling their pockets at the Indian Premier League struggled, compiling just 64 runs. Marshall was more watchful, and only when Ravi Bopara came on after tea did he accelerate, as good batsmen tend to when presented with juicy long-hops. He and Daniel Flynn added 128 for the fifth wicket, Marshall reaching his hundred in 152 balls before top-edging a pull.
Shortly after James reached three figures there was a scare for England when Alastair Cook dislocated his little finger trying to catch a Daniel Vettori cut. But, subject to the result of an x-ray, Essex were confident he will be fit to bat today. Finding the man to replace Stephen Fleming, who averaged over 40 in 111 Tests, is a big problem for the Kiwis, but the 29-year-old Marshall may have done enough to get his chance.
The Essex groundsman has been told to leave a little more grass on the wickets this year, and with the ball swinging and seaming Tony Palladino's opening spell of nine overs included five maidens and the wicket of Jamie How.
Predictably, all five New Zealanders back after filling their pockets at the Indian Premier League struggled, compiling just 64 runs. Marshall was more watchful, and only when Ravi Bopara came on after tea did he accelerate, as good batsmen tend to when presented with juicy long-hops. He and Daniel Flynn added 128 for the fifth wicket, Marshall reaching his hundred in 152 balls before top-edging a pull.
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