Cricket Australia have are flying in former captain Steve Smith as a cover for Mitchell Marsh after the skipper missed out on their T20 World Cup 2026 opener against Ireland in Colombo on Wednesday. The development came in after vice-captain Travisd fatre
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh was on Wednesday forced out of his team’s opening T20 World Cup match against Ireland here owing to a groin injury, prompting the inclusion of veteran batter Steve Smith as cover.
Travis Head is leading the side in Marsh’s absence against Ireland and Matt Renshaw has been pencilled in for his maiden World Cup appearance. The 29-year-old Renshaw made his T20 international debut last month against Pakistan in Lahore.
“Mitchell Marsh will miss the opening match of the ICC men’s T20 World Cup after sustaining a direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week. He is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement,” a Cricket Australia statement said.
“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 further stated.
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