Free extension for sports fans

Marsh rules out South Africa Test return but ‘door is open’

The in-form Mitch Marsh hit a fourth fifty in six matches but confirmed he was not staying on as South Africa tour switches to red-ball

Published: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 1:30 AM
Marsh rules out South Africa Test return but ‘door is open’
Key Things to Know
  • Mitchell Marsh will not play in the South Africa Test series, though he remains open to future Test selection.
  • Marsh confirmed his ODI captaincy job-sharing arrangement with Pat Cummins is set to continue.
  • Australia won the third ODI against South Africa by 45 runs via DLS, but lost the series 2-1.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Mitchell Marsh has ruled out remaining in South Africa for Australia's upcoming Test series, returning home to Perth despite captain Pat Cummins suggesting the door remains open for a red-ball comeback. Marsh finished the 50-over tour with a fourth half-century in six matches during Australia's rain-affected third ODI victory in Potchefstroom, though South Africa took the series 2-1.

Marsh confirmed that his ODI captaincy job-share arrangement with Cummins is set to continue. Although Marsh no longer plays first-class cricket and does not bowl, he noted he remains open to future Test consideration as Australia faces a busy schedule of 20 Tests across the next 12 months.

Never Miss a Sports Update

Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.