After playing pivotal roles in Australia’s 2-0 Test series victory over New Zealand, Marsh and Green as expected will head to India ahead of the IPL starting on March 22. WA will host the five-day Shield final against Tasmania starting on March 21 at the WACA.
Having stunningly resurrected his Test career with a century at Headingley during last year’s Ashes, Marsh has become a key all-format player for Australia and his heavy workload meant he did not play any domestic cricket this season.
Marsh will play from the outset with Delhi Capitals, whose first match is on March 23 against Punjab Kings. The IPL will be important T20 preparation for Marsh, who is almost certain to captain Australia at June’s World Cup in the Caribbean and United States.
Green played two Shield matches this season, highlighted by an unbeaten century against Tasmania, but will be eyeing a berth in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad with strong performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
A no objection certificate from Cricket Australia was required for players to skip the Shield final and play in the IPL.
Richardson has started bowling at full intensity, but will be on a management workload during the IPL given his injury history.
Turner has not played since the early stages of the BBL after undergoing knee surgery. But he has made a full recovery and will be able to fulfil his IPL commitments having secured a deal worth AU$178,000 with Lucknow, where he will be reunited with his former coach Justin Langer.
He had been carefully managed through the early part of the home season to be fit for the Pakistan Test series, but has yet to make his Test debut. Morris is expected to target playing opportunities ahead of the T20 World Cup.
If Hardie can bowl, WA might call up D’Arcy Short or emerging spinning allrounder Cooper Connolly. Quicks Liam Haskett or Charlie Stobo could unluckily miss out after solid performances against Victoria.
Wade may only miss the first game against Mumbai Indians on March 25, with Titans’ next game against Chennai Super Kings taking place two days later. He has played the past two Shield matches for Tasmania as an opener, but only averaged 14.25 from four innings, and did not take the gloves.
Quick bowler Riley Meredith is set to return after being rested in Tasmania’s home defeat to South Australia, which cost them hosting rights for the final.
Nathan Ellis, who is fighting for a berth as a back-up quick in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, is unavailable due to his IPL commitments, but he hasn’t played a first-class match since early last year.
Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth
