Australians 413-9 (Marsh 101, Warner 101) v Derbyshire
Tour game, Derby, day one

Opening batsmen Shaun Marsh and David Warner notched up centuries as Australia dominated the opening day of their tour game against Derbyshire in Derby.

All-rounders Shane Watson (61) and Mitchell Marsh (53) also compiled half-centuries as Australia ended the day at a healthy 413 for nine from their allotted 90 overs.

Having won the toss, Australian skipper Michael Clarke opted to bat in order to give his batsmen time in the middle ahead of the third Ashes Test that begins next week at Edgbaston.

Australia’s opening batsmen obliged readily with a 154-run opening partnership that came off just 204 deliveries as both Warner (101) and Marsh (101) made merry.

Warner hammered Tony Palladino (1-83) and Harry White (2-85) for successive boundaries in each over to up the ante in his innings.

A brace brought up Warner's fifty off just 55 deliveries and the left-hander got to his century off 108 balls with a fantastic boundary.

After flaying the bowlers all over the park during his stay studded with 13 boundaries and a six, Warner decided to retire out.

Clarke (16) and Adam Voges (1) failed to make use of the batting practice available as they were dismissed in quick succession by Will Davis (3-63), who was quite impressive throughout the day.

This brought Mitchell Marsh (53) to the crease and the Marsh brothers prospered in a 78-run stand to put the innings back on track.

Mitchell played with typical flair as he tore into the Derbyshire bowling at will as he stroked Palladino for successive boundaries after hoisting Scott Elstone (0-35) into the stands for a huge six.

Shaun, who was sedate in the opening partnership, played the ball on merit before eventually opening up with his trademark drives and pulls as he stroked 14 fours and a six in his innings before retiring out.

Davis struck immediately removing Peter Nevill (1) while the remaining Marsh was removed by White as the Australian innings faltered again at 302 for six.

It was then that Watson (61) changed the momentum entirely in the visitors’ favour with a blistering knock that came off just 45 deliveries laced with five fours and four humungous sixes.

The all-rounder blasted Davis for consecutive boundaries in an over and then launched White for 10 runs in an over that included a boundary and a six to announce his arrival.

Watson got to his half-century with a magnificent hit off Tom Knight (0-21) and celebrated his milestone by repeating the act off the next delivery as well.

Brad Haddin (32) gave Watson ideal support, as their 66-run stand put Australia on course for a solid first innings total, with a vital contribution from Patt Cummins (21 not out), who used the long handle to collect some quick runs.

Cummins and last man Fawad Ahmed (4 not out) put on an unbroken 22-run stand for the final wicket to ease Australia past the 400-run mark.

Apart from Davis and White, none of the Derbyshire bowlers were consistent enough in their spells to trouble the Australian batsmen, who took full toll of some listless bowling.

© Cricket World 2015