Shaun Marsh to retire from professional cricket after BBL game against Sydney Thunder

Veteran Australian batter Shaun Marsh has called time on his 23-year professional career. The left-handed batter declared that the coming week's contest between the Melbourne Renegades and the Sydney Thunder in the ongoing edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) will be his last-ever game.

Marsh, who made his first-class debut back in 2001, made a match-winning half-century against the Melbourne Stars at the Marvel Stadium on Saturday. The veteran has yielded promising returns in the ongoing season, mustering 181 runs in five matches at an average of 45.25 and a strike rate of 138.16.

In a statement, the 40-year-old cherished the friendships he formed at the Renegades and thanked everyone for making his journey memorable. As quoted by Fox Sports, Marsh said:

"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. 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."

The elegant southpaw made his first international appearance in 2008 and has featured in 38 Tests, 73 ODIs, and 15 T20Is. He played a starring role in helping Australia regain the Ashes in the 2017-18 leg, mustering 445 runs in seven innings at 74.16. The Western Australian hasn't played for the national team since 2019.

"He has raw power and he has the experience" - David Saker on Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh. (Image Credits: Getty)

Renegades coach David Saker lauded Shaun Marsh, saying he is well-liked by everyone. Saker also reckons the left-hander is a master chaser.

"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."

The Renegades are currently seventh in the BBL with two victories in nine matches.