Charlie Marshall says 'no' to St. George's recall

Charlie Marshall's Cup Match retirement plans could be put on hold for at least another year.

The classic's all-time leading run getter has been urged to come out of retirement as champions St. George's look to bolster their ranks following the losses of prominent players George O'Brien Jr, Stefan Kelly and Greg Foggo to injury.

St. George's coach Clay Smith confirmed that Marshall has not been included in his team's final Cup Match trial. However, reliable club sources claim Marshall could still be considered for selection should any trialists fail to live up to expectation at Wellington Oval tomorrow.

By his own admission, though, Marshall says he would rather see St. George's pin their hopes for success on the next generation of cricketers - insisting that he will only consider coming out of retirement if it is an "emergency".

He added: "I have been approached by several members of St. George's Cricket Club concerning Cup Match because of the problem they are facing this year. But I basically mentioned to them that I am not interested because I can't play forever and also they need to look to the future.

"I think they have a lot of young talented players at St. George's and they have to use them because I can't go on forever."

Marshall bowed out of the classic last year after a disappointing display with the bat at Wellington Oval - a far cry from his debut in 1980 at the same venue when he scored an unbeaten century off the last ball of the match.

Despite the unavailability of key players such as Kelly, who captured a maiden five-wicket haul in Somerset's first innings during last year's drawn match, Marshall is confident St.George's can keep the cup - with or without his influential presence.

He said: "I think they will be fine.... guys just have to pay attention. I think the experienced players that have moved on throughout the years basically did the hard work for them (current crop).

"They just have to respect the fact that we have put the time in and worked hard to keep the cup. They basically just have to do the same thing."

St.George's will travel to Somerset next week with a rookie captain in Oronde Bascome.

Marshall believes the young skipper will be equal to the task - especially given he has the experience of predecessor Lionel Cann to lean upon in times of distress.

He added: "I think the players he will be surrounded by over the two days will be able to give him as much support as possible."