- By Vishal Pushkar
- Wed, 11 Feb 2026 04:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
T20 World Cup 2026: Australian batter Steve Smith was rushed in as a last-minute replacement for regular batter Mitchell Marsh, who was ruled out of the T20 World Cup match against Ireland on Wednesday. Notably, Marsh sustained a groin injury during training as he was forced to sit out of the team's opening match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Travis Head has been assigned the captaincy in Marsh's absence against Ireland.
"Mitchell Marsh will miss the opening match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after sustaining a direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week. He is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement," a Cricket Australia statement said.
The injury has caused internal testicular bleeding.
"Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice," it further stated.
Standby player Steve Smith, who hasn't played a T20I since February last year but has been in good nick in the format, will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required.
His injury is the latest setback to the depleted squad, which is already missing frontline pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.
Australia 116/4 after 13 overs
Wicketkeeper batter Josh Inglis scored a 17-ball 37, helping Australia reach 116 with Irish bowlers equalising with four wickets so far in the innings.
Head failed to make a mark, scoring 6 runs off 7 balls before getting run out.
Inputs from Agency