Laura Marsh admits it's a family affair as England spinner looks forward to 100th cap

Marsh will become the ninth England Women’s player to reach the century milestone – some achievement, having made her Test bow in 2006 against India

There is something deeply fitting about Laura Marsh winning her 100th England cap on the occasion of the England Women’s Family Day initiative on Sunday. 

The 32-year-old’s closest allies will be present among those watching at Worcester as Heather Knight’s side takes on West Indies in the second ODI between the teams.

If selected, Marsh will become the ninth England Women’s player to reach the century milestone – some achievement, having made her Test bow in 2006 against India.

“It’s not only been a journey for me, it’s been a journey for them,” Marsh said. “They have probably lived the ups and downs with me and had all the nerves and the excitement that I’ve had as well. It’s probably worse for them actually!

“They’ve been around for the last 13 years travelling around all over the world with me, so it will be really special to have them share that moment.

“I wouldn’t say 100 caps was ever an aim but I guess there are not that many people who have made it to that figure in ODI cricket. That does make it very special.

“I’m just really proud to have played for England and to have got to represent my country for so many years. You don’t dream of making it this far. 

Inspired by superb knocks from captain Knight and opening batsman Amy Jones, England eased their way to a 208-run victory in the first ODI at Leicester – a result that will leave Mark Robinson’s charges all but guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2021 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand if they can secure victory at Worcester.

Marsh helped herself to three wickets with her off-breaks in Thursday’s win – a symbol itself of how much the game has changed since the Kent bowler made her international debut more than a decade ago.

A seamer in those days, she admits that life under Robinson and assistant coach Ali Maiden has been among her most fruitful as an England player. 

“A huge amount has changed since I made my debut,” she added. “I think I’ve probably learnt more in the last couple of years about myself and my bowling than I probably had in the previous eight to ten years. It’s been a really exciting two years.

^{Marsh was part of England's 2017 World Cup-winning squad.}

“There have been ups and downs, I’ve spent a bit of time on the bench, I’ve spent a bit of time playing. I’m really happy with where I am at the moment, we’re playing well and hopefully that will continue.”

As a spinner, Marsh has also had to evolve – in an era of progression and change for the women’s game, both in England and worldwide.

WOMEN'S CRICKET HUB

“Bowling seam to now bowling spin is a big change but the whole landscape of women’s cricket has shifted,” she explained. “Things like the financial aspect and also the skill level as well. We’ve really had to evolve, especially as a spinner, I’ve really had to evolve.

“In the past I might have just been able to come on and land the ball in the right area. That would have helped me create wickets, now the batters are that much better, the pitches are better, there’s a lot more to being a successful spinner than there used to be.”

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