Shaun Marsh announces retirement from professional cricket

Melbourne Renegades veteran Shaun Marsh has officially hung up the gloves after announcing his retirement from professional cricket.

Melbourne Renegades veteran Shaun Marsh has announced his retirement from professional cricket.

On Sunday afternoon, the Renegades confirmed that this week’s Big Bash League contest against the Thunder at Sydney Showground will be the 40-year-old’s final match for the club.

“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,” Marsh said in a statement.

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“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.

“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.”

Shaun Marsh and Aaron Finch of the Melbourne Renegades. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

It comes after Renegades teammate and World Cup champion Aaron Finch also hung up the boots, playing his final match as a professional cricketer at Marvel Stadium on Saturday evening.

Most BBL runs for Melbourne Renegades

3311 — Aaron Finch

1433 — Sam Harper

1375 — Shaun Marsh

1202 — Tom Cooper

931 — Cameron White

Marsh, who made his Sheffield Shield debut for Western Australia in early 2001, scored an unbeaten half-century during Saturday evening’s victory over the Melbourne Stars at Marvel Stadium.

The time has come. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The left-hander, who retired from domestic cricket last summer, is currently the sixth-leading run-scorer in BBL history with 2810 runs at 40.72, including 27 fifties. He also represented Australia in 38 Tests, 73 ODIs and 15 T20Is after making his international debut in 2008.

“SOS is one of those blokes who is universally liked and admired by anyone who ever played with or against him, domestically and internationally,” Renegades coach David Saker said in a statement.

“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.”

The Renegades, who have already been knocked out of the tournament, will next face the Thunder at Sydney Showground on Wednesday at 7.15pm AEDT.

Originally published as Shaun Marsh announces retirement from professional cricket