Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is set to return to domestic cricket for Western Australia in the ongoing 2025-26 Sheffield Shield season, aiming to revive his Test career ahead of the upcoming Ashes series. Marsh is expected to feature in a Shield match in early December, with sights firmly set on a possible Test recall during the 2025-26 Ashes.
The 34-year-old last played red-ball cricket in December 2024 during Australia’s five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at home against India. He was subsequently left out of tours to Sri Lanka and the West Indies after underwhelming performances with both bat and ball.
Sheffield Shield Return in December
Marsh is likely to feature in Western Australia’s round six Shield clash against Victoria at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 4–7. Additionally, he is expected to play the 50-over fixture against Victoria on December 2 at the Junction Oval, according to ESPNCricinfo.
Since his omission following Australia’s Boxing Day Test against India, Marsh has not played any first-class cricket. In that match, he went wicketless and scored just four runs across both innings.
Ashes Recall Still on the Table
While Marsh had previously downplayed his chances of a Test return, Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey confirmed that his red-ball career is far from over. Head coach Andrew McDonald also stated that the selectors would feel “comfortable” including Marsh in the Ashes squad if required. However, Marsh is not part of Australia’s team for the series opener at Perth Stadium from November 21–25.
As his Shield return approaches, Marsh faces a crucial period that could define whether his red-ball career and Ashes ambitions get a fresh chapter in the 2025-26 season.
