Marsh dazzles with Shield century

Mitch Marsh has compiled a delightful opening day 141 to put Western Australian in a strong position in their JLT Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland at Perth's WACA Ground.

The Warriors were in control at stumps at 7-356 with Josh Inglis 16 not out and Matt Kelly to come to the crease.

But there was no mistaking Marsh as the star of the day's play.

With older brother Shaun and Cameron Bancroft on Ashes duty for Australia in Brisbane, he played a tremendous captain's knock which featured 22 boundaries and a six from 209 deliveries.

It was Marsh's first century at first-class level since scoring two in tour matches in England in the winter of 2015 and his fifth in a career spanning 74 matches.

He had plenty of support too, with only Jon Wells failing to contribute when caught behind by Jimmy Peirson off Luke Feldman in the second over without scoring.

Joining opener Will Bosisto, Hilton Cartwright managed to regain some touch before he was clean bowled by Brendan Doggett for 42.

Bosisto then enjoyed a 92-run partnership with Marsh. He battled hard before missing a straight one was given out LBW off legspinner Mitch Swepson.

A 56-run partnership between Marsh and Ashton Turner followed, with the latter falling leg before to Jack Wildermuth for 22.

Marsh and D'Arcy Short put on 98 before the centurion was finally caught behind off Feldman.

Short (59) and Andrew Holder (6) fell just before stumps.

Wildermuth took 3-69 for Queensland, Feldman 2-74 and Doggett and Swepson a wicket each.

Marsh couldn't have been much happier.

"It was obviously a really good day personally and for the team to be honest," he said.

"We were a little bit unsure at the toss what to do on a wicket with a little bit more grass coverage and I didn't really make a decision to bat until I was walking out.

"It ended up being a beautiful wicket, a touch on the slow side, even though it quickened up.

"Hopefully it's a bit quicker tomorrow and our bowlers can make the most of it."

Western Australia XI: Jono Wells, Will Bosisto, Hilton Cartwright, Mitch Marsh, Ashton Turner, D'Arcy Short, Josh Inglis, Andrew Holder, Matt Kelly, Jason Behrendorff, Simon Mackin

Queensland XI: James Peirson (c), Joe Burns, Brendan Doggett, Luke Feldman, Charlie Hemphrey, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Mitch Swepson, Sam Truloff, Jack Wildermuth.