It is not hard to imagine this very Marsh-like face under Australian cricket’s baggy green cap, one day adding to his family’s extraordinary legacy in the game.

Two-year-old Austin Marsh already deftly sweeps a full-sized cricket ball with his child-sized bat to all parts of his parents’ lounge room as they watch wondering what the future may hold.

His grandfather Geoff, father Shaun and uncle Mitch have all claimed their own baggy greens — one of the nation’s most iconic sporting items.

But Austin’s parents, Shaun and Bec, have mixed feelings about whether his future lies on the rollercoaster of an international sporting career.

For the moment, Shaun is embracing the joy of spending precious time at home in Perth with his family, made possible by a shoulder injury that prematurely ended his cricket season in England.

Don't miss the latest sports news! Was $13 now $7 per week for 12 weeks* (Digital + Print) Enjoy unlimited access to thewest.com.au and everyday digital editions on any device. Thursday - Monday papers home delivered with all of the latest footy news! *T&Cs apply

Bec has just returned from a trip abroad with Austin and has nearly 50,000 Instagram followers watching her journey.

But she is adamant the jet-setting lifestyle she enjoys with Shaun pales in comparison to her love of home.

“You can never plan anything more than two weeks ahead and sometimes it’s even less than that because things can just change so quickly,” she said.

“When you’re travelling, you often wish you could go home and live a normal life and when you’re home you’re wishing you could go and see the world.

“But there is actually no place I’ve been in the world that’s better than Perth.”

Shaun was just nine when his dad’s international cricket career ended in 1992. He already knows how it might feel if Austin follows suit.

“I was a pest growing up with Dad, always wanting to go to cricket training with him,” he said.

“Watching Austin brings back memories because when I was young, there wasn’t a day when I didn’t have a bat or ball in my hand.

“I get more nervous watching Mitch than when I go out to bat, so if Austin ever went down that path, that would be next level.

“Dad can’t even watch Mitch and I bat at Test level, I’d probably be very similar myself.”

Camera Icon Shaun Marsh with his wife Rebecca and their two-year-old son Austin. Credit: Nic Ellis

But Bec has a contrasting perspective.

“It’s different with me because I didn’t grow up with cricket, but Austin doesn’t know any different,” she said.

“He probably thinks that’s what every dad does. But you have to let them choose their own paths as parents ... we’re not going to force him to do it or steer him away from it.”

Shaun, 35, said fatherhood had been crucial to his enduring cricket success.

“It’s been a great balance for me since Austin came along — it’s put my whole life into perspective,” he said.

“I’d be pretty grumpy when things didn’t go well. These days you leave cricket at the ground, come home to Austin and you have this little kid wanting your attention.”

Shaun is preparing to play in Australia’s Test series against Pakistan in October and also take a senior role helping rebuild the nation’s cricket standing after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March.

“It was a disappointing time for all of us and a really tough week over there,” he said.

“I’d like to think being a senior player now that I can help a fair bit and try and lead the way.

“I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

This week is Play Cricket Week in WA, a recruiting drive aimed at boosting participation in the game. Shaun said it made him reflect on his younger cricketing days and encouraged others to reach for the stars.

“To get out to the community and schools to promote our game is something really important to us,” he said.

Registration details at local clubs can be found at playcricket.com.au