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Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of their ICC Men’s T20 World T20 2026 campaign opener against Ireland. Marsh suffered a groin injury while training earlier this week, confirmed a Cricket Australia release on February 11, hours ahead of the game against Ireland.
"He is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement," CA said in a statement.
"Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice."
It is unclear when will Marsh return into action. As the opener's participation looks doubtful, the Australian selectors have decided to put Steve Smith on the flight to Sri Lanka as standby.
"Stand by player Steve Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required," the release added.
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Despite joining Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 late after the completion of the Ashes 2025-26, Smith was Sydney Sixers' top run-scorer in the season. From six innings, he scored 299 runs at an average of 59.80 and strike rate of 167.96. He scored a century and two fifties in the season.
Who is captaining Australia in Marsh’s absence?
Against Paul Stirling's Ireland, Travis Head took over the captaincy duties from Marsh. Head won the toss and opted to bat first at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. He was run out for a single-digit score.
Josh Inglis opened the innings alongside Head and scored 37 runs from 17 balls, featuring six fours and a six.
Australia’s long injury list
Earlier, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026. Tim David was ruled out of the Ireland clash as well as he is yet to regain full fitness after a hamstring injury in the BBL.
Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad -
Mitchell Marsh (unfit), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David (unfit).
Standby – Sean Abbott, Steve Smith.
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