AUS vs ZIM: Why did Mitchell Marsh miss T20 World Cup match 19?
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Mitchell Marsh’s absence comes as a big blow to Australia in AUS vs ZIM clash of T20 World Cup 2026.
Australia are up against Zimbabwe in their second game of T20 World Cup 2026 on Friday, 13 February. The Group B clash between the teams is taking place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Australia enter the clash on the back of solid win against Ireland in their last game. Even though they were without their key players, they managed to win the game comfortably. They would be keen to carry on the same confidence and register their second straight win in T20 World Cup 2026.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe also won their last game against Oman on a dominant note. They thrashed the Jitender Singh-led side by eight wickets, courtesy of their pace trio of Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, and Brad Evans.
With both teams coming on the back of win, AUS vs ZIM clash promises to be an exciting one and will be important for both teams, especially in the context of Super 8 qualification.
Why did Mitchell Marsh miss AUS vs ZIM T20 World Cup 2026 clash?
Australia continue to be without their captain Mitchell Marsh, who also missed the opening clash. It was expected that he would get fit for the second match, but that hasn’t been the case as his name was still missing on team sheet.
Mitchell Marsh suffered a groin injury just ahead of the start of the Australia’s clash against Ireland. In his absence, Travis Head was given the opportunity to lead the side and will continue to do so in AUS vs ZIM clash.
In an official statement ahead of Ireland game, Cricket Australia (CA) informed that Marsh is experiencing pain in his groin and scans confirmed internal bleeding. The governing body also added that they have added Steve Smith as a cover in the team.
“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.
Australia’s injury woes just keep getting worse in T20 World Cup 2026. They are already without the services of their star pacer Pat Cummins in the tournament, who was ruled out after failing to recover from a back issue, and Josh Hazlewood, who was also sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Why did Mitchell Marsh will miss Australia’s game against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2026?
Marsh missed Australia’s opening game against Ireland in T20 World Cup 2026 due to a groin injury.
Who is Australia’s captain in T20 World Cup 2026?
Mitchell Marsh is Australia’s captain in T20 World Cup 2026.
Who has been called up as a cover for Mitchell Marsh in Australia’s squad?
Steve Smith has been called up as a cover for Mitchell Marsh in Australia’s squad.
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Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.