Photo Credit: BCCI
Melbourne Renegades favourite Shaun Marsh has announced his retirement from professional cricket.
“SOS” told teammates over the weekend that Wednesday’s clash with the Sydney Thunder will be his final match in the KFC BBL.
The 40-year-old bows out on top of his game, scoring an unbeaten half century and winning Player of the Match to guide the Melbourne Renegades to a six-wicket win over the Melbourne Stars on Saturday night at Marvel Stadium. It was his third half-century of BBL|13.
“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,” Marsh said.
“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.
“To the Renegades’ coaches and staff and everyone behind the scenes – thank you for backing me in from the start and over my final years. It’s made my job a little easier out in the middle.”
Marsh made the move to Melbourne in BBL|09 after 40 appearances with the Perth Scorchers, which included back-to-back BBL titles.
“I owe a lot to the Scorchers, 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.”
An experienced and powerful batter, Marsh’s ability to bat anywhere in the top order has been a significant asset for the Renegades during his time with the club.
Marsh will finish his career third on the club’s total runs tally (1375*) from his 42 games, with one game to go.
Melbourne Renegades BBL Head Coach, David Saker said:
“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,” 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.”
Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten said:
“Shaun’s influence runs deeper than just the runs he puts on the scorecard,” Rosengarten said.
“As a leader in the team, he’s been a very important sounding board for our younger players and the group in general. A career like Shaun’s is not easily replaced.
“On behalf of the club I’d like to wish Shaun, Rebecca and their family the best for life beyond professional cricket. He has made an immense contribution to the Renegades through good and tough times, and we look forward to seeing him walk out one last time against the Thunder.”
