Australia’s T20 World Cup preparations have taken an unexpected turn, with veteran batter Steve Smith called into the squad as cover following an injury setback to captain Mitchell Marsh.
Marsh has been ruled out of Australia’s opening match against Ireland after suffering a blow during training earlier this week. Medical scans later confirmed internal bleeding, forcing him to rest and undergo rehabilitation.
Marsh to Miss Opener
Cricket Australia stated that Marsh is experiencing pain and limited movement, making him unavailable for the first match. His return will depend on medical assessments and recovery progress.
The news surfaced just before the toss in Colombo, despite Marsh having attended the pre-match press conference earlier.
Steve Smith’s Return to T20 Setup
Smith, who last played T20 internationals in early 2024, strengthened his recall chances with an impressive Big Bash League campaign for the Sydney Sixers. He scored 299 runs in six innings at a strong average and strike rate, showing he remains in good form.
He will travel to Sri Lanka to acclimatize and be ready if selected.
Other Team Changes
In Marsh’s absence, Travis Head will lead the team in the opener at R. Premadasa Stadium.
Meanwhile:
-
Josh Hazlewood has not yet been replaced
-
Tim David is recovering from a hamstring issue
-
Sean Abbott is traveling as reserve
Australia’s preparations have already been disrupted, with multiple injuries affecting squad balance.
