Australia’s white-ball captain, Mitchell Marsh, is reportedly considering retirement from Sheffield Shield cricket, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. The 34-year-old has reportedly told his teammates that this season could be his final appearance in red-ball cricket for Western Australia.
Marsh’s recent attempt to return to the Shield earlier this summer, intended to strengthen his case for Ashes selection, did not yield the desired results. He managed only two single-digit scores against Victoria, and with limited red-ball appearances since 2019, this season may mark the end of his state-level first-class career.
If confirmed, this decision would close a chapter that began in 2009, though Marsh remains open to continuing his Test career. Despite stepping back from domestic red-ball cricket, the all-rounder believes he can still make a meaningful contribution to Australia’s Test side, and selectors appear receptive to the possibility.
Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, has previously stated that the team would not hesitate to select Marsh for Test matches straight from white-ball cricket if his inclusion added value. McDonald emphasized that players like Marsh could still be considered for the Test team based on their form and potential impact, highlighting the ongoing confidence in the all-rounder’s abilities at the international level.
