Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign has been hit by a fresh injury blow: skipper Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the tournament opener against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 11 after suffering a testicular injury in training. The news forced a late reshuffle — veteran Steve Smith, originally left out of the squad, has been named as standby cover and is being rushed to Sri Lanka to join the group if required.

Cricket Australia confirmed scans revealed internal testicular bleeding and said Mitchell Marsh will need a period of rest and rehabilitation. The board explained that his return will be guided strictly by symptom resolution and medical advice. Marsh was struck in the groin during practice, and the injury has caused ongoing pain and restricted movement — enough to prevent him from leading the side in the short term.

In Mitchell Marsh’s absence, Travis Head will captain Australia in the opener after the team won the toss and elected to bat. The Men in Yellow face a compact group stage schedule: just one day’s turnaround after Ireland, before they meet Zimbabwe on February 13, so squad depth and swift adaptation are critical.

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Steve Smith, who was in Adelaide for a LIV Golf pro-am just days ago, is now set to travel to Sri Lanka as cover. Officials say Smith will acclimatise and prepare with the squad so he’s match-ready if called upon. That move gives Australia experience and composure in the middle order if Mitchell Marsh’s rehab takes longer.

This World Cup is already being played without the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Tim David, so Marsh’s setback is another reminder of how thin Australia’s white-ball resources can look when injuries bite.

Against that backdrop, players such as Josh Inglis — opening alongside Head — Matt Renshaw and youngster Cooper Connolly will be asked to step up with the bat. In the bowling department, Nathan Ellis is set to lead the pace unit and Adam Zampa’s leg-spin will be vital in Sri Lankan conditions.

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For Marsh, the priority is clear: recovery first. The medical team has urged caution, and Cricket Australia has reiterated that any return will depend entirely on symptom resolution and expert advice. For now, Australia must adapt tactically and mentally, leaning on experienced campaigners and the depth of their squad as they navigate a compressed and unforgiving T20 World Cup schedule.