Test star and Perth Scorchers veteran Shaun Marsh joins Melbourne Renegades

The Melbourne Renegades have wasted no time strengthening their Big Bash league-winning squad of last summer, signing Australian limited-overs star Shaun Marsh.

Veteran Aussie batsman Shaun Marsh said he needed a “new challenge” after signing a multi-year deal with Big Bash champions the Melbourne Renegades.

The 35-year-old will play outside his native West Australia for the first time and will be leaving behind his brother Mitch who is captain of both WA and the Perth Scorchers.

Marsh also grew up in the change rooms at the WACA where his father Geoff played, then coached, both Australia and WA.

Shaun Marsh is ditching the Scorchers for the reigning BBL champs. Pic: Getty Images

The left-hander is in the top 10 BBL run scorers of all time, having piled on 1435 runs in 37 appearances, every single one of them with the Scorchers.

“I’d like to thank everyone at the Scorchers who have supported me over the years — it was a very successful period for the club,” Marsh said.

“But I’m ready for a new challenge and the opportunity to join the Renegades on the back of such a successful season is very exciting

Dropped from Test team during the home summer, Marsh has conceded he’s unlikely to wear a baggy green again.

Marsh is in India with Australia’s ODI squad. Pic: AFP

But he is currently a part of the Australian one-day team and his availability for the Renegades next summer would only be interrupted by his continued presence in that side.

His white-ball exploits include seven ODI hundreds, three of which came last year, in 66 games. Marsh has also played 15 T20 internationals.

“Shaun is one of the most experienced players in the country and excels in white ball cricket,” Renegades coach Andrew McDonald said.

“We’ve been on the end of a few of Shaun’s big performances over the years so it’s nice to have him as a teammate instead.”

Originally published as Test star and Perth Scorchers veteran Shaun Marsh joins Melbourne Renegades