Mitchell Marsh Returns to Big Bash League with Perth Scorchers After Test Snub

Australia's T20I captain, Mitchell Marsh, is set to make his first Big Bash League (BBL) appearance in nearly three years after being named in the Perth Scorchers' squad for their upcoming clash with the Melbourne Renegades on Tuesday.

Marsh's inclusion marks his return to the BBL following a hiatus since his last appearance in the Scorchers' victorious BBL 11 final against the Sydney Sixers. Despite playing an integral role in Australia's recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy-winning squad, Marsh was dropped from the final Test in Sydney, having featured in the first four matches of the series.

The experienced all-rounder is the second-highest run-scorer in the Scorchers' history with 1,904 runs, trailing only skipper Ashton Turner, who has accumulated 2,178 runs. With Marsh back in action, he adds further depth to the Scorchers' formidable top order, joining the likes of New Zealand's Finn Allen and rising star Cooper Connolly.

In addition to Marsh, fast bowler Jhye Richardson also makes his return to the squad. Richardson had missed three of the Scorchers' last four matches due to his involvement in Australia's Test squad for the fourth and fifth matches of the Border-Gavaskar series. However, he has been in excellent form this season, claiming six wickets in just three matches at an impressive average of 13.5 and an economy rate of 6.75.

Perth Scorchers coach Adam Voges expressed optimism about Marsh’s return, noting that the pressures of international cricket, particularly the intense nature of a series in India, may have taken a toll on the all-rounder. "If anything, hopefully this will free Mitch up. International cricket is such high pressure, and Test cricket in India only adds to that. We’re excited to have him back in orange and hope he can hit a few out of the park," Voges commented.

Spinner Ashton Agar has also been included in the squad as he continues to recover from back spasms that had ruled him out of the Scorchers' last match against Sydney Thunder.

The full Perth Scorchers squad for the match against the Melbourne Renegades is as follows:

Perth Scorchers Squad:  

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.

In: Mitch Marsh, Jhye Richardson

Out: Matthew Hurst, Bryce Jackson