Australia captain Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of their opening T20 World Cup game on the eve of their clash against Ireland after suffering ‘testicular bleeding’
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of their opening T20 World Cup game after suffering ‘testicular’ bleeding.
Marsh, 34, was due to lead his country out against Ireland on Wednesday but Travis Head stood in as captain for their 67-run victory in Group B. Steve Smith has been called up as Marsh’s cover in the meantime.
The Aussie all-rounder was struck in the groin area while receiving throw downs during a training session in Colombo on Sunday. Marsh sustained a direct hit to the box and scans revealed the painful extent of his discomfort.
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Cricket Australia confirmed he would miss the game and would undergo a period of rest and rehabilitation. They announced the sore degree of Marsh’s absence in a short statement.
Australia say that Marsh experienced “ongoing pain and discomfort”, which is “restricting his movement”.
“Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation,” said a CA statement. “His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice.”
There is currently no time frame for when Marsh will be ready to return to action, with Australia facing Zimbabwe in Colombo in their second World Cup match on Friday.
Marsh was named Australia’s T20 captain in April 2024 and is a big loss for the side – despite his potential replacement in the side boasting one of the most impressive CVs in the game.
Smith, 36, was omitted from the Australia squad despite impressive form in the Big Bash League. But he has now travelled to join up with the team as cover should Marsh be unable to recover.
Although Smith has scored over 1000 international T20 runs, he has not played a 20-over match for his country for two years. The batsman was playing in LIV Golf’s pro-am in Adelaide hours before his received the call.
Marsh has 2,102 T20 international runs to his name in 78 games for Australia, batting at an average of 32.33. He has also been impressive with the ball, taking 17 wickets.