Steve Smith is back! Mitchell Marsh misses T20 World Cup opener, Australia calls up veteran Cricket News
Australia to lose captain Mitchell Marsh He played in the first match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Ireland after suffering a groin injury during training earlier this week. In the absence of Marsh, Travis Head will lead the team in Colombo. Cricket Australia confirmed Marsh suffered a direct blow to the groin, causing ongoing pain and limited movement. Medical scans revealed bleeding within the testicles and he will now undergo a period of rest and recovery. His ability to return to play will depend on medical guidance and relief of symptoms.
As a precautionary measure, veterans Steve SmithHe has not played a T20 international since February last year but is in good form during the tournament and will join the squad in Sri Lanka. In the 2026 BBL, Smith played 6 games and scored 299 points, with an average of 59.8 points, a hit rate of 167.98, and a maximum score of 100 points. Smith will fit in with the team and be ready to step in if needed. The development was a major blow for Australia, with Marsh losing his leadership and all-round ability at the start of the game. Against Ireland, Australia won the toss and elected to bat. team: Ireland (Starting XI): Paul Sterling (centre), Ross Adair, Harry Turcotte, Lorcan Tucker (female), Curtis Campfer, Benjamin Kallitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys Australia (XI): Travis Head (C), Josh Inglis (F), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Glenn MaxwellMarcus Stonis, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kooneman, Adam Zampa
