Australia’s flamboyant all-rounder Mitchell Marsh who is often considered as a vital cog in the team won’t be a part of ICC CT 2025. Mitchell Marsh was the skipper in the recently concluded England ODI series which Aussies won by 3-2. Australia have time till 11th February to make changes to their preliminary squad ahead of the tournament.
Australia haven’t won a single game in the last 2 ICC Champions Trophy tournaments: 2013 & 2017. The format perhaps doesn’t suit the current ODI WC winners. Mitchell Marsh’s absence leaves a huge hole in the setup given his stupendous hitting and he also is a key part of leadership group. Marsh had amassed 441 runs in ICC ODI WC 2023 and was an integral part of team.
Mitchell Marsh will undergo a period of further rest & rehabilitation- Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia (CA) issued a statement and pointed out that Marsh has lower back pain & dysfunction. CA clearly mentioned that the decision of not having Mitchell Marsh was taken by medical team and the national selection panem. CA though hasn’t stated who will replace Marsh in the squad.
“Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champion’s Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction. 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,” said Cricket Australia (CA).
“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,” it added.
Steep road ahead for Australia
With Cameron Green & now Mitchell Marsh unavailable due to injuries, the all-rounders’ section looks a bit weak. Australia have the services of Marcus Stoinis but he is also injury prone and a veteran. In all this chaos, Pat Cummins’ participation in global event is also doubtful given his ankle injury hasn’t healed now.
Australia are set to play 2 ODIs against Sri Lanka before ICC CT 2025 which would serve as a stepping stone. Steven Smith can emerge as the strong contender to lead Australia in ICC CT 2025 given Travis Head doesn’t have ample experience of captaining the side. Quite surprisingly, this time for an ICC event the mighty Aussies aren’t favorites as the team is hit with injuries.
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, (one further player to be added after Mitchell Marsh injury)