Australia has been dealt a massive blow ahead of next month’s Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh ruled out of the tournament due to a back complaint.
On Friday afternoon, Cricket Australia confirmed that Marsh would be unavailable for the ICC tournament due to “ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction”, which has also put him in doubt for the Indian Premier League.
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“The National Selection Panel and Australian men’s medical team ruled Marsh out of the tournament with the injury, which has not responded sufficiently to rehabilitation,” a CA spokesperson said.
“His lower back pain flared in recent weeks leading the NSP to make the longer-term decision for Marsh to complete a more extended period of rehabilitation. Marsh will now undergo a period of further rest and rehabilitation as part of his return to play plan. The NSP will meet to decide on a replacement for Marsh in due course.”
Marsh has been battling back problems since the first Test of the recent Border-Gavaksar Trophy campaign against India, losing his spot to fellow all-rounder Beau Webster ahead of the series finale in Sydney.
The 33-year-old was instrumental to Australia’s World Cup triumph in India in 2023, cracking 441 runs at 49.00 with a strike rate of 107.56, including hundreds against Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The right-hander’s absence leaves a vacancy in Australia’s middle order, opening the door for Alex Carey to play as a specialist batter during the Champions Trophy.
Australia is already sweating on the fitness of all-rounder Marcus Stoinis (hamstring) and captain Pat Cummins (ankle), who are both recovering from minor injury setbacks, while young gun Cameron Green has already been ruled out of the tournament following his back surgery.
If Cummins is unavailable for the Champions Trophy, Steve Smith and Josh Inglis loom as the leading contenders to lead Australia in his absence.
Australia has until February 12 to announce a finalised squad for the tournament.
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