Big Bash League 2023-24

Shaun Marsh to retire from professional cricket, BBL game vs Sydney Thunder to be his last

Jan 14, 2024 12:57 pm

Shaun Marsh, the elegant left-hander, who has graced Australian cricket for over two decades, has finally called it a day. He has announced his retirement from the professional sport and will play his last game on Wednesday against Sydney Thunder in the ongoing Big Bash League. He had announced his retirement from first-class cricket back in Marsh last year, having rendered 22 years of profound service to Western Australia. However, he continued to feature in the BBL but has now decided to hang his boots.

His decision brings down the curtain on a career filled with captivating strokes, gritty resolve, and a quiet intensity that endeared him to fans across the globe. He played 38 Tests, scoring 2265 runs and represented Australia in 73 ODIs and 3 T20Is. While his international career had its challenges, he left behind a legacy of resilience and dedication. He was a reliable middle-order batsman, often called upon to bat in difficult situations, and his contributions in crucial series wins, like the 2017-18 Ashes, cannot be overlooked.

In the Big Bash, he has played 79 games, scoring 2796 runs with a high score of 99. He has been in good form this season, having notched up 181 runs at an average of 45.25 and a healthy strike rate of 138.16. Just yesterday, his unbeaten 64 helped the Renegades emerge victorious in what was Aaron Finch’s farewell game.

Shaun Marsh, the elegant left-hander who has graced Australian cricket for over two decades, has finally called it a day.

“This playing group is special,” Shaun Marsh

While announcing his retirement, Marsh Senior acknowledged the support that he has received from the Melbourne Renegades and its passionate fans. He requested the fans to have faith in the talented group and said with conviction that the team will bounce back shortly.

“I have loved playing for the Renegades. This playing group is special. They’ve been amazing to me, amazing teammates and even better friends. Our members and fans are some of the most passionate out there and I’m so thankful for their support over the journey. Stick with us, there’s a huge amount of talent in this group and I have no doubt they’ll lead this group back to the top,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to his former franchise, Perth Scorchers, a franchise where he spent a lot of years. He noted that the back-to-back title wins in 2014 and 2015 were among his fondest memories as a professional cricketer. “I owe a lot to the Scorchers, I’ve got some fond memories of playing in Perth and enjoyed my time there. The back-to-back titles are up there for me as the most enjoyable moments I’ve experienced on a cricket field,” Marsh said.

David Saker, the head coach of the Melbourne Renegades heaped massive praise on Marsh, referring to him as among the best even today. Saker specifically pointed out Marsh’s persona which he said, endeared him to everyone. “SOS is one of those blokes who is universally liked and admired by anyone who ever played with or against him, domestically and internationally. If I could have any batter in Australia to help plot and chase down a total, it’d be SOS. He has raw power and he has the experience to wait for the right shot at the right time which is critical in T20 cricket. To be put in a man of the match performance at the age of 40 is a testament to Shaun’s preparation and commitment to this club,” he said.

The Renegades will now be determined to hand Marsh a fitting farewell on Wednesday night at the Sydney Showground Stadium.