Australia has been dealt a big blow ahead of the Champions Trophy—Mitchell Marsh is out. A nagging back injury has ruled him out of the tournament, and he might not play again this season.
This isn’t just any player we’re talking about. Marsh is Australia’s T20I captain and has often stepped in as ODI skipper. His absence forces the selectors to rethink their plans, especially in the top order.
A Season to Forget for Mitchell Marsh
Marsh’s season has been far from ideal. He struggled during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, scoring just 73 runs in seven innings. His bowling was limited, and fitness concerns followed him throughout the series.
After returning home, he played just one BBL match before taking a break to refresh physically and mentally for the Champions Trophy. But the back issues persisted, and now he’s sidelined.
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A Cricket Australia statement confirmed the injury, calling it “lower back pain and dysfunction.” The selectors decided that [Mitchell] Marsh needed an extended period of rehab rather than risking further complications.
Who Replaces Marsh?
With Mitchell Marsh out, Australia must rethink their balance. A few names are already in the mix:
- Jake Fraser-McGurk: The explosive youngster could be a like-for-like replacement at No.3, but he’s yet to prove himself in List A cricket.
- Will Sutherland: A solid allrounder who was set for an ODI tour last year before a back injury ruled him out.
- Beau Webster: The man who replaced Marsh in the Test squad could now get an ODI call-up.
- Cooper Connolly: A spin-bowling allrounder, but Australia already has plenty of spin options.
Adding to Australia’s headaches, Pat Cummins is also uncertain for the tournament due to an ankle injury. If he misses out, Australia will need a new captain. Steven Smith, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis are all potential candidates.
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Marsh played a crucial role in Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup win, smashing centuries against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Since moving up the order in early 2023, he has averaged 44.54 with a strike rate of 109.13.
Replacing him won’t be easy. But Australia has until February 11 to make changes to their squad without ICC approval.
Before the Champions Trophy kicks off, they have two ODIs in Sri Lanka on February 12 and 14. These games could be the perfect chance to test out replacements and finalize the squad.
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