Australia’s star all-rounder, Mitchell Marsh, has been ruled out of the upcoming Champions Trophy due to a persistent back injury, casting doubt over his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Lucknow Super Giants. Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that Marsh, who has struggled with fitness issues throughout the season, will undergo an extended rehabilitation period to address “ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction.”
“Marsh will now undergo a period of further rest and rehabilitation as part of his return to play plan. The NSP will meet to decide on a replacement for Marsh in due course,” CA stated.
Marsh, Australia’s T20I captain and a regular stand-in for Pat Cummins in ODIs, had a difficult season leading up to his injury. He struggled in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring just 73 runs in seven innings and playing a limited role with the ball. After featuring in a lone Big Bash League (BBL) match on January 7, Marsh opted out of the remainder of the tournament to focus on mental and physical recovery ahead of the Champions Trophy. However, his back problems persisted, leading to his withdrawal.
With Marsh out, Australia will need to rethink their top-order plans. Potential replacements include Jake Fraser-McGurk, known for his aggressive stroke play, and all-rounders like Will Sutherland, Beau Webster, or Cooper Connolly. The squad already has batting depth, but selectors may consider an all-rounder to fill Marsh’s role.
Australia’s leadership group is also in flux, with Cummins nursing an ankle injury. If he is ruled out, Steven Smith, Travis Head, or Josh Inglis could step in as ODI captain. Champions Trophy squads can be freely amended until February 11, after which changes require ICC technical committee approval. Australia will play two ODIs in Sri Lanka on February 12 and 14 as part of their preparations for the tournament.
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