Laura Marsh is as surprised as anyone that she stands on the verge of making her 100th one-day international appearance as England Women look to wrap up a series win over the West Indies.
A seamer when she burst on to the international scene in the summer of 2006, Marsh has spent the majority of her career as an off-spinner, switching roles following a succession of injury problems.
Yet the resilient Marsh has been fundamental to a number of England’s successes through the years, including the World Cup triumphs of 2009 and 2017, and is now poised to reach a memorable landmark on Sunday at Worcester.
Only eight other Englishwomen have reached a century of ODI caps, and Marsh said: “There were times when I thought I probably wouldn’t make it to 100.
“I had a smooth start to my international career and didn’t pick up any injuries for quite a long time. But then had a stint of injuries and at that point, I never thought I would have made it to 100.
“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. You don’t dream of making it this far.”
The 32-year-old took her tally to 124 wickets in the 50-over format with three for 30 as England crushed the Windies by 208 runs in the series opener at Grace Road on Thursday.
The annual Family Day, in which the families of all the English cricketers will attend, marks the penultimate match of the series, lending extra significance to Marsh’s milestone appearance.
She added: “It’s not only been a journey for me, but it’s also been a journey for them.
“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!
“It will be really special for them to hopefully see me get my 100th cap and special for me to have them there as well.
“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.”