Melbourne Renegades veteran and former Test player Shaun Marsh has announced his retirement
Marsh calls time on decorated career
Melbourne Renegades veteran Shaun Marsh has announced his retirement from professional cricket, calling time on a decorated career that began in 2001.
Fresh off a typically composed 64 not out that guided the Renegades to victory in last night’s Melbourne Derby, Marsh revealed he had told teammates this weekend that Wednesday’s match against Sydney Thunder would be his last.
The 40-year-old, who was the youngest player in almost 50 years to represent WA at Sheffield Shield level when he debuted aged 17 years and 236 days in the 2000-01 summer, bows out a modern great of Australian cricket.
Already Western Australia's most prolific batter of all time across the three formats, and a Shield, One-Day Cup and BBL title winner, Marsh’s batting prowess took him to the top of the game, in an international career that spanned 38 Tests, 73 ODIs and 15 T20Is.
His two centuries during the 2017-18 home Ashes series proved crucial to Australia reclaiming the urn.
Numbers aside, throughout his career he has remained a fan favourite due to his classical technique and aesthetically pleasing strokeplay, which has again been on show during KFC BBL|13.
Despite playing just five of nine games to date this season, Marsh has been the Renegades’ second-highest run-scorer behind Jake Fraser-McGurk.
“I have loved playing for the Renegades, I've met some great people over the last five years and the friendships I've made will last a lifetime,” Marsh said.
“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.”
Affectionately known as ‘SOS’ (‘Son of Swamp’; former Australia opener Geoff 'Swampy' Marsh) the left-hander moved to Melbourne in BBL|09 after 40 appearances with the Perth Scorchers, who he “owed a lot to”.
“I’ve got some fond memories of playing in Perth and really 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 has staggered his retirement in recent years, having first bowed out of domestic 50-over cricket at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, before playing his final Sheffield Shield match in February 2023.
He went into KFC BBL|13 knowing it would likely be his last, although at one stage his participation in the Renegades’ campaign was in doubt, tearing both calves in the lead-up.
He missed the club’s first four matches, before returning in style in their Boxing Day clash against the Scorchers, peeling off a classy 59 off 36 balls in front of his once home fans.
Three days later– alongside an impressive Fraser-McGurk – he propelled the Renegades to their first win of the season with another half-century.
Scores of 0 and 4 followed inside the first week of 2024, however Marsh returned to form on Saturday night with an unbeaten half-century that guided the ‘Gades to what was fellow retiring great Aaron Finch’s final match.
“SOS is one of those blokes who's universally liked and admired by anyone who's ever played with or against him, domestically and internationally,” Renegades head coach David Saker said.
“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 putting in man of the match performances at the age of 40 is testament to Shaun's preparation and commitment to this club.”
Wednesday’s match is the final game of the BBL|13 regular season, with the Thunder hosting the Renegades at Sydney Showground Stadium.
KFC BBL|13 standings
| Team | M | W | L | T | N/R | NRR | Ded. | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
HEA
|
10 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0.972 | 0 | 16 |
|
2
SIX
|
10 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0.339 | 0 | 14 |
|
3
SCO
|
10 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0.725 | 0 | 13 |
|
4
STR
|
10 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0.331 | 0 | 11 |
|
5
HUR
|
10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | -0.268 | 0 | 8 |
|
6
STA
|
10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | -1.051 | 0 | 8 |
|
7
REN
|
10 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 2 | -0.288 | 0 | 6 |
|
8
THU
|
10 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 | -0.652 | 0 | 4 |
M: Matches played
W: Wins
L: Losses
T: Ties
N/R: No results
NRR: Net Run Rate
Ded.: Deductions
PTS: Total points
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