Mitchell Marsh’s hopes of playing in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 have been dashed as the Australian all-rounder has been ruled out due to persistent lower back pain. Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the development, stating that Marsh’s injury has not responded well to rehabilitation. This sets him out of contention both at the Pakistan Dubai tournament which is slated between February 19 and March 9 and further doubts his entry in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Mitchell Marsh has been withdrawn from the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy because he is suffering with persistent lower back pain and dysfunction, Cricket Australia announced on Thursday. “The National Selection Panel (NSP) and the Australian men’s medical team have deemed Marsh to require a significant period of rehabilitation,” Cricket Australia said in its statement.
The reports indicate that Marsh’s condition has deteriorated in recent weeks, leading the selectors to adopt a long-term approach for his recovery. CA also added that the selection panel will soon finalize a replacement as final submissions for the squads are due on February 12. Marsh had been included in the 15-member Australian squad, which had all-rounders in the list of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Aaron Hardie.
WATCH – Fans Disappointed As Virat Kohli’s Return To Ranji Trophy Ends In Early Dismissal
The 33-year-old was recently signed by Lucknow Super Giants for the upcoming 2025 IPL season that is scheduled to start on March 23, but his current injury concerns raise questions about his availability.
Australia’s Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a back injury ❌
He is unlikely to play again this season, with his IPL stint at Lucknow Super Giants also in doubt pic.twitter.com/127Ir46Q4Y
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 31, 2025
Marsh’s form in the just-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been rather dull. As an important player in the team, he was unsuccessful in the four-Test match series as his batting could hardly be impactful while his contribution through bowling was mere minimalism, and so Marsh was excluded and Beau Webster got a place for the last Test.
ALSO READ: MI Owners Secure 49% Stake In Oval Invincibles: Reliance Expands Global Cricket Empire
The injury comes at a bad time for Australia. Regular ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins is also suffering from an ankle injury while handling family commitments. Marsh was meant to lead the Australian side in the Champions Trophy, which Australia is scheduled to play in place of Cummins. With the two leaders in question, it might be a chance for Australia to hand Steve Smith, the current Test side captain, to take over as the ODI leader as well.
Australia will start their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Australia’s Preliminary Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
