Not only 13, the number '87' is also considered an unlucky one in Australia. But Shaun -- son of former Aussie opener Geoff Marsh -- who was unbeaten on 87 at close on Friday proved that it wasn't an unlucky number atleast for him as he went on to smash a hundred on Test debut in Pallekele yesterday.


Mike Hussey (left) congratulates Shaun Marsh.u00a0 Pic/AFP

Sri Lankan batsman, Mahela Jayawardene did give the junior Marsh a wink as the debutant was leaving the field on Friday after bad light stopped play.

Not disturbed
"We didn't have a sleepless night yesterday. Shaun was not disturbed either with his (Mahela Jayawardene's) comments," the senior Marsh said, minutes after his son reached the three-figure mark. "They are good friends and Shaun paid no attention to what Mahela had said yesterday," said Geoff.

He presented the Baggy Green cap to Shaun on the morning of his debut. "I advised him to bring glory to the nation and hoped he would continue to play many more Tests for Australia," added Geoff.

Meanwhile, Mike Hussey and Shaun put on 258 for the fourth wicket as the tourists moved to 411-7 in their first innings by stumps on the third day, a lead of 237 runs with three wickets in hand. Shaun made 141 and Hussey scored 142.

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