Image: Australia will replace Mitchell Marsh due to a back injury / © The Indian Express
In the latest setback for Australia, Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to persistent lower back pain. The 33-year-old all-rounder, who struggled in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with just 73 runs in seven innings, was also dropped from the final Test. He played only one BBL match this season and missed the last three to recover for the Champions Trophy, but his condition did not improve. Cricket Australia confirmed his injury as “lower back pain and dysfunction” and opted for extended rehabilitation.
Marsh’s absence will force Australia to reconsider their top order, with Jake Fraser-McGurk emerging as a possible replacement. Other options include all-rounders Will Sutherland and Beau Webster, though Cameron Green remains unavailable due to back surgery. With Pat Cummins also uncertain due to an ankle injury, Australia might need a new captain, with Steven Smith, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis in contention.
Marsh was a crucial part of Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup-winning squad, averaging 44.54 with a strike rate of 109.13. His exclusion creates a void in Australia’s Champions Trophy plans, with final squad changes allowed until February 11. Australia will play two ODIs in Sri Lanka on February 12 and 14 as preparation.