Marsh opts for Surrey over IPL to boost Test chances

After impressing on his return to Test cricket, Mitchell Marsh hopes a spell in county cricket can help him retain his place long term.

Mitchell Marsh has spurned the chance to play in the Indian Premier League in order to establish himself in Australia's Test side.

Mitchell Marsh has spurned the chance to play in the Indian Premier League in order to establish himself in Australia's Test side.

Marsh was called into Australia's squad for the Ashes-clinching third Test against England in Perth, the all-rounder scoring a magnificent 181 in its innings and 41-run win.

The 26-year-old did not fare as well in Melbourne with scores of 29 not out and nine, but his exploits at the WACA have put him in the frame for a regular starting spot in the middle order.

County over IPL

In order to stay in the thoughts of Darren Lehmann and the Australia selectors, Marsh intends to play county cricket in England with Surrey to show his qualities.

That will mean forgoing the chance to feature in the IPL in April, a competition he has featured in since 2010 and was sold for $1million Australian dollars in 2016.

But Marsh is keen to impress in the longest format, despite losing out on a huge financial windfall in India.

Test cricket ultimate goal

"It's a fairly big decision from a money point of view but my ultimate goal is to play Test cricket for Australia," he said.

"That's the lure of the IPL – the money and playing in India, but I made the decision based on my cricket.

"When I made that decision I didn't really think I was going to be back there this quickly. But I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to play 14 red-ball games over there – if I can, and try and improve.

"Looking forward we've got a lot of cricket coming up in England over the next few years and I want to give myself the best opportunity to be over there and get used to the conditions."