Shaun Marsh has played his last game for the Perth Scorchers.

The veteran batsman has turned his back on the Scorchers to join reigning Big Bash champions the Melbourne Renegades on a multi-year deal.

It’s a massive loss for the Perth franchise, which finished dead last in BBL08 after winning just four games out of 14.

“I’d like to thank everyone at the Scorchers who have supported me over the years – it was a very successful period for the club,” Marsh told the Renegades’ website.

“But I’m ready for a new challenge and the opportunity to join the Renegades on the back of such a successful season is very exciting. I’ve spent a lot of time with Finchy (Aaron Finch) and know the other guys well, so I’m looking forward to it.”

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Marsh is currently in India with Australia’s One-Day International squad, preparing for the series decider in Dehli tonight.

The 35-year-old is regarded as one of the best white-ball batsmen in the country, and is arguably the Scorchers’ most important player.

Marsh is 10th in the all-time leading run-scorers in the Twenty20 tournament with 1435 runs at 49.5 including 14 half-centuries.

He was restricted to just three matches in this summer’s BBL due to international commitments, but is expected to play a lot more next season after getting axed from the Australian Test side.

It’s not the first time a Scorcher has headed east to play for the ‘Gades, with cult hero Brad Hogg and opener Marcus Harris both ending up in red.

The loss of Marsh could open the door for WA youngster Josh Philippe’s return to the Scorchers.

Play Video WATCH: After inking a one-year deal with the Sydney Sixers and making his maiden Shield ton in October, Josh Philippe is one to keep an eye on this summer. The West Australian Video WATCH: After inking a one-year deal with the Sydney Sixers and making his maiden Shield ton in October, Josh Philippe is one to keep an eye on this summer.

The 21-year-old was one of the finds of the tournament after signing a last-minute deal with the Sydney Sixers, scoring 304 runs at 30.4, including a top score of 86 not out, to go with a tournament-high 12 dismissals.

He told The Sunday Times last week that his decision for BBL09 was down to the Scorchers and Sixers.

“I’m looking to come to a decision soon but I just want to get through the next few four-day games first,” Philippe said.

“I’ve got another year with WA but I don’t think that will be an issue, I’m hoping I’ll be asked to extend at WA.

“WA is my home, I love playing for WA and I’ve had plenty of opportunities already going through so I don’t see any reason why I should consider moving.

“I guess Big Bash is the one where it will be a bit more of a tough decision.

“I won’t be looking at offers elsewhere, it will be only be between the Sixers and the Scorchers.”

There will be several spots up for grabs in the Scorchers’ 18-man playing roster with Marsh’s long-time opening partner Michael Klinger retiring and English import David Willey unlikely to be retained.