The world of cricket is saluting an exciting batsman.

The left-handed Australian recruit for the IPL's Kings XI Punjab, Shaun Marsh, is a runaway success. Marsh is in stupendous form since making his debut in the fifth match for the Kings XI and earlier in the week his powerful 115 against Rajasthan Royals sent him to the top of the IPL run tree, his 593 surpassing Gautam Gambhir’s 523.

Known as SOS - Son of Swampy - Marsh was eight years old when his father, Geoff, played his last Test.

'It's a great sight watching the extended arms when he hits the ball straight over the bowler's head with authority'


Marsh has an uncomplicated approach, getting his eye in, playing in the “V” and capitalising on loose balls, but most importantly playing with a straight bat. These attributes have paid rich dividends. The ball stays hit and there is no real effort to hit the ball hard as he relies on timing. Interestingly, he is not averse to coming down the track to spinners, given the fact that he has been brought up on hard, bouncy surfaces. It's a great sight watching the extended arms when he hits the ball straight over the bowler's head with authority.

He has inherited a no-frills style and steadfast determination from his father. More gifted than Geoff, and with a greater range of shots, he looks at ease against both spin and pace. Initial comparisons were made with Steve and Mark Waugh when he scored his maiden first-class century in 2003.

The transition into one of the most exciting prospects in world cricket has not been an easy ride, though. Not so long back, his career was in jeopardy as Marsh and team-mate Luke Pomersbach were dumped from the Western Australian side after being spotted exiting a nightspot in the early hours of the morning ahead of a state match.

Since then, Marsh has come back with a strong statement of intent and enjoyed his best-ever state season, topping WA's run-getters in one-day cricket (318 at an average of 39.75), scoring 663 Pura Cup runs at 60.27, and 290 runs in the Twenty20 Big Bash.

He was named the Lawrie Sawle Medalist for the best player in the Western Australian state cricket team in 2007/08. His excellent form during the season led to him being given a Cricket Australia contract and being called up to the tour of the West Indies for the one-dayers. The Kings XI contract was the icing on the cake.

It might be argued that he has shone with the bat on good batting surfaces and he has yet to be tested against quality bowling outfits, but most captains would love to have a character who keeps his batting simple and consistent.

Marsh has made enormous progress this season, and the rich experience of IPL will help his progression into a world-class batsman.