Shaun Marsh opens up about retirement decision

Shaun Marsh has announced his retirement from professional cricket after an impressive performance in his final Big Bash League (BBL) season. Despite hitting three half-centuries in five matches for the Melbourne Renegades, Marsh decided it was time to hang up his boots. The Renegades finished seventh on the points table last season.

Marsh, reflecting on his decision, shared that turning 40 made him realize it was the right time to retire. He mentioned that his body was no longer able to handle the intense training required to compete at a high level. 

“I think once I hit 40, I thought maybe that was the right time to finish up. Yeah, look, I think for me, my body started playing a few tricks on me and I couldn't sort of train to the level that I probably needed to train at to play at this level. To get to 40 was something that I was really proud of,” Marsh said.

Marsh also spoke about the privilege of playing cricket for such a long period and expressed pride in his career's longevity.

“I think I first started playing professional cricket as a 17-year-old kid, if I said to myself that I'd still be playing as a professional at 40, I probably would have laughed. I've really enjoyed my career and the longevity of my career. It's something that I'm very proud of,” he further added.

Currently, Marsh is playing for Australia Champions in the ongoing World Championship of Legends. He has been very effective at the top of the order, scoring 170 runs in five matches with a strike rate of 140.49. His performance has been crucial in helping Australia qualify for the semi-final, where they will face India Champions on Friday, July 12. The final will be played on July 14 in Birmingham.