Mitchell Marsh made a memorable return to Test cricket after almost four years with a splendid century on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test between England and Australia at Headingley.

The flamboyant all-rounder, who replaced injured Cameron Green in the playing XI, smashed run-a-ball 118 when the Aussies were in dire straits at 85/4 on a green pitch after being asked to bat first.

Thanks to his swashbuckling hundred, laced with 17 fours and 4 sixes, the visitors posted 263 on the board in their first innings.

After the day’s play, Marsh joked that, due to his understudy role, he was the "first man to score an Ashes hundred on a UK holiday".

"I mean, it's always a bit of surprise and very unfortunate for Greeny (Cameron Green). He has a very minor hamstring injury. It feels like i've been his understudy for a years now in a lot of tours. We have a great squad mentality in this group. On a long tour you always get a chance at some stage, I just wanted to stay ready. I'm the first man to score a Test ton on a UK holiday," Marsh said during a press conference on Thursday (July 6).

His comments left the journalists present inside Headingley's press box in splits.

Talking about the boos the Australian team received in Leeds, Marsh said that crowd in the West Stand "can get a bit loose" while also adding that he would love to spend a day with them.

"I think the Headingley crowd, especially in the West Stand, can get pretty loose. I would love to do a day out in the West Stand. I think I'd fit right in. The boo-ings is the booing, it's part of the Ashes. Bring it on," he stated.

In reply, England reached 68/3 at the close of play on Day 1, trailing Australia by 195 runs in the first innings. Joe Root (19*) and Jonny Bairstow (1*) were unbeaten in the middle for the hosts.