Cricket: Marshall ton - that's for you, nan

Hamish Marshall celebrates his century in Napier yesterday. Picture / Fotopress

Hamish Marshall battled dehydration, shin-splints and one of the most bizarre bowling actions in world cricket to lead New Zealand into a position of rare comfort after the first day of the opening test against Sri Lanka.

The star of a second-rate summer, Marshall was unbeaten on 133 when bad light stopped play last night, with partner Nathan Astle unbeaten on 37 and New Zealand relatively well placed at 267 for three.

It was Marshall's second test century after his heroics against Australia in Christchurch last month, and to make it sweeter he scored it in front of his maternal grandmother, Nora Mick Morris, who had travelled from Gisborne for the occasion.

Voted last week as New Zealand's batsman of the year, Marshall initially featured in a 107-run stand for the second wicket with his identical twin James, who helped make it a red-letter day for the family when he scored his maiden test half-century.

The twins also helped ease memories of last month's pasting at the hands of Australia, rebuilding the innings after the loss of Craig Cumming in the 14th over, and ensuring New Zealand would awake this morning in a more positive frame of mind.

But as well as James played before being undone by leg-spinner Upal Chandana, the man of the moment was Hamish, who will this morning look to re-establish himself at the crease and push on towards a maiden double-century.

Quick to use his feet to the slow-bowlers, Hamish Marshall was also able to play his signature shots off the back foot, and ran like the wind between the wickets to maintain plenty of pressure on an inexperienced Sri Lankan attack.

The 26-year-old eventually raised his century with a tuck off his hip for a single, the milestone arriving off 176 balls and including 12 fours.

Making the effort even more meritorious was the fact that his shin-splints were causing him problems, he was feeling the effects of dehydration late in the day, and he had to cope with the roundhouse bowling action of Lasith Malinga.

Marshall received medical assistance while at the wicket for his hydration problems, but was left icing his legs last night and musing over the dramatic difference between playing Sri Lanka and world champions Australia.

"The Aussies put more pressure on you than what I came across today," he said. "They've got a quality line-up and I suppose there was a difference in pace today - the Aussies seemed to hit the bat a lot harder.

"But Sri Lanka will have a good look at things overnight and I'm sure they'll come back [today] with some new plans."

The right-hander was also mindful of the work still to be done, saying he was determined to help make the most of the position instead of letting things slip, as they did in the first test against Australia in Christchurch.

On that occasion, Marshall struck a counter-attacking 146 to push New Zealand through to a position of relative strength, before the Australians struck back with a vengeance.

"We were 330 for three in that game and missed out on posting a really big score and putting some pressure on the Australians; I guess tomorrow is another opportunity," he said.

"I think 500 would be a good target for us."