Marsh opens up on Scorchers departure

Shaun Marsh says the security of a three-year deal played a big part in his decision to leave the Perth Scorchers for the Melbourne Renegades in the KFC BBL.

Marsh shocked Australian cricket last month when it was revealed the Western Australian veteran had signed a multi-year deal with the BBL|08 champions, ending the exclusive link between WA Cricket and the Marsh family.

The 35-year-old said on Friday, after being named the Laurie Sawle Medalist as WA's leading men's player for the past 12 months, it was an "incredibly hard decision" to leave Perth, where it is understood he was offered a one-year deal to stay in the west.

"The three years played a big part," Marsh told reporters when asked what the main reason was for his defection.

"The security of three years for myself and my family was probably a big part of it.

"It's been an incredibly hard decision and I just want to thank everyone from the Scorchers for what they've given me over the last eight years.

"I can't thank the Scorchers enough, they've given me so much over the past eight years.

"I've won two championships, been involved in three. (I'll cherish) memories of after we won, especially after the first (title in 2013-14), we hadn't won anything for over 10 years in WA cricket.

"Being a part of arguably the best domestic T20 team in the world over that period is something I'm very proud of and there's memories there that will last forever."

Marsh debuted for WA as a 17-year-old, following in the footsteps of father Geoff, who played 50 Tests and 112 first-class matches for Western Australia.

His brother, Mitch, is the Scorchers captain and said he spoke to his family before deciding to head east for the BBL.

"It was obviously tough with Mitch (Marsh) captain and dad (Geoff) being an assistant coach," said Marsh, who confirmed he intends to play in the JLT Sheffield Shield for WA next summer.

"They weren't the easiest chats to have. But at the end of the day I've made my decision. I'm sure the Scorchers will move on and I'll move on."

Before BBL|09, there's a World Cup to be run and won in England.

Marsh has been a stalwart in the one-day international side over the past 12 months, but a lean run in India saw the senior batter dropped before he regained his place against Pakistan in the UAE.

With Steve Smith and David Warner expected to be named in Australia's 15-man World Cup squad, Marsh said he's "not too sure" about his chances of making the trip to England to defend the title Australia won in 2015.

"I'd love to be a part of it but who knows what's going to happen over the next week," Marsh said. "It's out of my control.

"I'm sure there's going to be difficult decisions to make when you have Smith and Warner coming back into the team there's going to be players that are going to be unlucky."

Australia's recent ODI form, which has seen them win series away from home against India and Pakistan and build an undefeated eight-game streak, has Marsh confident they can make a deep run at the World Cup.

"I honestly think we're in really good shape," he said. "The way we finished off in India, to come back from 0-2 down and to win 5-0 against Pakistan in the subcontinent, I think we should hold a lot of confidence.

"That doesn't guarantee anything moving forward but it gives us confidence we're heading in the right direction and if we keep working hard, whoever is picked for the World Cup we're in a good place. It's exciting times."

Australia's World Cup fixtures

May 25: (warm-up) England v Australia, Southampton

May 27: (warm-up) Australia v Sri Lanka, Southampton

June 1: Afghanistan v Australia, Bristol (D/N)

June 6: Australia v West Indies, Trent Bridge

June 9: India v Australia, The Oval

June 12: Australia v Pakistan, Taunton

June 15: Sri Lanka v Australia, The Oval

June 20: Australia v Bangladesh, Trent Bridge

June 25: England v Australia, Lord's

June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)

July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)

July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford

July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston

July 14: Final, Lord's

For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE