NEW DELHI: West Australian star Mitchell Marsh has announced his retirement from Sheffield Shield cricket to concentrate on his duties as Australia’s Twenty20 captain, as reported by Nine newspaper.

The news came on Monday night following Marsh’s return from a rare appearance for Western Australia in its defeat to Victoria.

Marsh featured in just three Sheffield Shield matches for WA over the past two years and was recalled last week for the four-day clash as selectors considered him for a potential wild-card spot in the Ashes series.

The 34-year-old remains open to playing Test cricket, although it now seems unlikely he will be included in the Ashes squad, with Australia leading 2-0. In his final first-class match for the State, Marsh scored nine and four across his two innings.

“It has been an honour to play Sheffield Shield cricket for WA,” Marsh said. “Right now I am deeply committed to the group and the Scorchers. WA cricket has been a huge part of my life and I plan to give back in any way possible long into the future.”

Marsh made his debut for Western Australia as an 18-year-old in 2009. Over 55 Shield matches, he scored 2,744 runs and took 82 wickets, including a six-year period as the State’s captain.

“Mitch embodies everything about what it means to be a Sheffield Shield player for Western Australia,” WA coach Adam Voges said. “From playing alongside him to coaching him in more recent times, he’s given his all for his state.

“It’s been a privilege to watch him progress from Sheffield Shield to being a very successful player at international level for Australia. He’s an outstanding character on and off the field and it’s been a pleasure to play a part in his journey.”