Shaun Marsh admits had lost 'passion' for cricket after axing from Test team two years ago

Australian cricketer Shaun Marsh has admitted that he had lost his passion for cricket after being dropped from the Test team two years ago.

Marsh scored 141 in a stunning Test debut against Sri Lanka, but just six matches and five months later he was out the back door after averaging less than three in a series against India as the contrasting extremes of the roller-coaster had taken a toll on him.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Marsh said that his confidence and passion for cricket was lost for a little bit and he was not mentally equipped to deal with Test cricket at his last attempt, although he added that he has regained his confidence and is ready to make a Test return against England in the winter Ashes series.

Stating that it had taken him a while to start enjoying cricket again and get his head around the game, Marsh also said that he may have squandered his talent over the years, adding that he still has a lot to work on improving his four-day cricket.

Although the left-hander is pessimistic about his chances for the first Test at the Gabba, with George Bailey in the box seat for the vacant No. 6 spot and Alex Doolan also staking a claim, he however, said that he is looking forward to getting a few hundreds in the remaining four Tests of the winter series.