News of a big change has come to light in Australian cricket. Australia’s experienced all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has decided to retire from red-ball cricket at the state level amid the ongoing Ashes Test series against England. This decision has raised many questions about his Test career, especially his possible role in the current Ashes series.

Said goodbye to red-ball cricket at state level

Marsh will no longer play for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield tournament. He gave this information to his teammates after the recent matches played at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). According to reports, he believes that it is no longer possible for him to play red ball cricket at the state level. Since 2019, he has been able to play only nine Shield matches, largely due to his busy international schedule.

The doors of test team are not closed yet

However, Marsh has also made it clear that playing Test cricket for the national team has not completely stopped for him yet. If the selectors call him, he will be ready to play in the Ashes. He also admitted that due to not playing Shield matches at the state level, returning to the Test team may be a bit difficult, but if given a chance, he would not shy away from being a part of the team.

Australia’s chief selector George Bailey had said last month that Marsh’s experience and his game could give new energy to the team in the Ashes series. He had indicated that even if he is not given a chance initially, his role can be considered as the series progresses.

test career

Mitchell Marsh made his debut in Test cricket in 2014. Till now he has played 46 test matches, scored 2083 runs and taken 51 wickets in his name. He played his last Test match against India last year. Apart from this, he is also the captain of Australia’s T20 team at present. Marsh will lead the team in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

uncertainty about the future

This decision of Marsh has come at a time when Australia is busy choosing the best combination for the Ashes. His experience could have been important for the team. Now, after staying away from red-ball cricket at the state level, the future of his Test career has become more uncertain than before.

Marsh said in his own words that it is looking a bit difficult to play further Tests, but he did not close the door completely. Now the decision of the selectors will decide whether his Test career progresses or stops here.