Cricket: Marshall makes maiden test century

Hamish Marshall on his way to 103 not out today. Picture / Fotopress

Hamish Marshall scored a century in just his third test to guide New Zealand to 265 for three at stumps on the first day of the first cricket test against Australia here today.

Marshall was unbeaten on 103 after New Zealand were sent into bat at Jade Stadium, with Nathan Astle to resume with him tomorrow on 29.

Marshall, who began the match with a test average of 109 from two innings, brought up his century by cutting Jason Gillespie for four in the day's 92nd over.

The milestone came up in 255 minutes off 195 balls, including 14 fours and a six.

Opener Craig Cumming set the tone for a healthy total with 74 on debut before he was dismissed by Michael Kasprowicz to a catch at mid wicket.

He and Marshall added 97 for the second wicket.

Kasprowicz, legspinner Shane Warne and Michael Clarke were the Australian wicket-takers, with Warne ending with one for 60 off 25 overs.

Scoreboard at stumps on the first day:

New Zealand
First innings
C Cumming c Gillespie b Kasprowicz 74
S Fleming lbw b Warne 18
H Marshall not out 103
L Vincent lbw b Clarke 27
N Astle not out 29
Extras (4b, 6lb, 2nb, 2w) 14
Total (for 3 wkts, 94 overs) 265

Fall: 56 (Fleming), 153 (Cumming), 199 (Vincent).

Bowling: G McGrath 25-7-59-0, J Gillespie 21-5-56-0 (2w), M Kasprowicz 18-4-64-1 (2nb), S Warne 25-6-60-1, M Clarke 5-0-16-1.

- NZPA