Perth [Australia], January 6 : Australia T20I captain Mitchell Marsh will make his first Big Bash League (BBL) appearance in almost three years after being named in the Perth Scorchers squad for their upcoming match against Melbourne Renegades on Tuesday, Cricket Australia confirmed.
Marsh, who last featured for the Scorchers in their BBL 11 final victory over Sydney Sixers, was part of Australia’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy-winning squad but was dropped from the final Test in Sydney. Marsh is the second-highest all-time run-scorer for the Scorchers, with 1,904 runs, behind only captain Ashton Turner (2,178 runs).
With Marsh back in the side, the Scorchers’ top order gains added firepower alongside Finn Allen and the young Cooper Connolly. Marsh’s return is further bolstered by the inclusion of experienced pacer Jhye Richardson, who had missed three of the last four matches while being part of Australia’s Test squad. Richardson has been impressive in his three BBL appearances this season, taking six wickets at an average of 13.5, with an economy rate of 6.75.
“We’d love to have him back in orange and see if he can smack a few balls around here,” said Perth coach Adam Voges, noting that playing for the Scorchers could help Marsh feel “freed up” after the pressure of international cricket.
Also included in the squad is spinner Ashton Agar, who is continuing his recovery from back spasms that kept him out of the previous match against Sydney Thunder.
Perth Scorchers squad for Melbourne Renegades: Ashton Turner (c), Ashton Agar, Finn Allen, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Matt Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Spoors, Andrew Tye.
Ins: Mitch Marsh, Jhye Richardson
Outs: Matthew Hurst (omitted), Bryce Jackson