AUS vs WI: Australia captain Mitchell Marsh to play in 1st T20I despite getting tested positive for Covid-19

Mitchell Marsh will lead Australian squad in the three-match T20I series against West Indies.

Mitchell Marsh, Australia T20I captain, will play in the upcoming first T20I of a three-match series against West Indies, despite testing Covid-19 positive. The match is scheduled at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.

Because of the illness, Mitchell Marsh must follow Cricket Australia’s protocols. He will have a separate dressing room and will be required to remain a safe distance from other players on the pitch.

Despite testing positive for Covid-19, all-rounder Cameron Green and wicket-keeper-batsman Josh Inglis recently represented Australia. Both were kept away from their teammates at the national anthems, and Green was even shooed away from wicket celebrations during the Test match at the Gabba against the West Indies due to him testing Covid-19 positive.

Head coach Andrew McDonald had also come into contact with the illness.

“Australia T20 skipper Mitch Marsh has tested positive to Covid-19 but will still play in tomorrow’s first T20 against the Windies in Hobart, in line with CA protocols. Marsh will use a separate dressing room during the match and stay distanced while on the field,” cricket.com.au said in a statement.

Australia T20 skipper Mitch Marsh has tested positive to Covid-19 but will still play in tomorrow’s first T20 against the Windies in Hobart, in line with CA protocols. Marsh will use a separate dressing room during the match and stay distanced while on the field. #AUSvWI

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 7, 2024

Mitchell Marsh to captain Australia in New Zealand T20Is as well

The match is the first of six, including three against New Zealand, that will serve as essential preparation for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup, with Marsh being the most likely skipper. Selectors have not found a permanent successor for Aaron Finch, who led Australia to World Cup triumph in 2019.

Australia named a full-strength squad with Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Travis Head and Steve Smith all returning to the fray after being rested for the West Indies T20Is.

“The next six games will provide us the opportunity to start shaping what we think our World Cup squad will look like and potential roles within that. We will also fully utilise the opportunity to monitor and watch the performances of the Australian players in the IPL (Indian Premier League) immediately preceding the World Cup,” said chief selector George Bailey.

The games in Wellington and Auckland from February 21-25 are the last in the format for Australia before the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States of America and West Indies in June.

Australia T20I squad for WI series:

Mitchell Marsh (capt), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

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