Sydney, Jan 31 (Representative) Australia allrounder Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of next month’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy due to the worsening of a back injury he has struggled with throughout the summer. The 33-year-old has not featured in a match since a solitary appearance for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League earlier this month. Cricket Australia (CA) has denied reports claiming that Marsh is suffering from stress fractures but confirmed that his ongoing rehabilitation for a lower back complaint has only exacerbated the issue. Marsh, who had previously been in contention to captain the ODI team in Pat Cummins’ absence, will now undergo a period of rest and further rehabilitation. “Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction,” CA stated. “The National Selection Panel and Australian men’s medical team decided that Marsh would need an extended period of rehabilitation due to the injury’s insufficient response to recovery efforts. “The injury has been linked to a combination of factors, including arthritis, and is understood to have deteriorated since Marsh’s last Test match in December 2024 at the MCG. With the Champions Trophy set to begin in mid-February, the National Selection Panel (NSP) will soon make a decision regarding Marsh’s replacement.
The development raises concerns over Marsh’s involvement in the upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa in July. Additionally, his fitness for the Indian Premier League (IPL) is now in doubt after Lucknow Supergiants paid $623,000 for his services last November.In the absence of Marsh, who captained the T20I team, the role of ODI captain is likely to be taken over by Steve Smith. While Travis Head and other senior players may be considered, Smith, currently leading Australia’s Test squad in Sri Lanka, is the frontrunner.Meanwhile, Marsh’s setback also places the availability of fellow allrounder Cameron Green under scrutiny. Green, who underwent surgery for a stress fracture, missed the entire Australian summer but is expected to return as a specialist batsman by mid-2025. The news also affects Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy plans. The final squad for the tournament must be confirmed by February 12, with the deadline approaching for the inclusion of any replacements. The tournament will be held in Pakistan and the UAE, with Australia finalising their squad in the coming days. Australia Squad: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Stark, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.