Mitchell Marsh Ruled Out from THIS match; Steve Smith named cover for Australia in T20 World Cup 2026

Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of Australia’s opening game against Ireland due to injury.

Australia have suffered a big blow as their captain Mitchell Marsh has sustained an injury scare in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The Australian captain was ruled out of Australia’s opening game against Ireland on Wednesday, February 11, due to a groin injury.

Notably, Marsh was ruled out of the match at the last moment. He appeared in the pre-match press conference on Tuesday. The news of his absence from the game came just 15 minutes before the match.

In his absence, Travis Head is leading Australia in the clash against Ireland, which is taking place at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both teams are placed in Group B in the 20-team tournament.

In an official statement, Cricket Australia (CA) informed that Marsh is experiencing pain in his groin and scans confirmed internal bleeding. He will require more rest and rehabilitation.

“He [Marsh] is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement. Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation,” CA informed in a statement.

“His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice. Standby player Steve Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required,” the statement added.

Steve Smith to join Australia’s squad as cover

Notably, Australia have called Steve Smith to join the squad as a cover for Marsh. Smith last played a T20I match in February 2024 and was overlooked for the World Cup squad.

He impressed with his performance in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 earlier this year, smacking 299 runs in six innings at an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of 167.97. His team Sydney Sixers finished as the runners-up in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Australia already miss the services of their star pacer Pat Cummins in the tournament, who was ruled out after failing to recover from a back issue. Josh Hazlewood was also sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Tim David is being held back for the Zimbabwe game on Friday after the hamstring injury, which ended his BBL stint.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.