Kamal Ghorui
Australia will be without captain Mitchell Marsh for their opening ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash against Ireland after he sustained a groin injury during training earlier this week. In Marsh’s absence, Travis Head will lead the side in Colombo. Cricket Australia confirmed that Marsh suffered a direct blow to the groin, resulting in ongoing pain and restricted movement. Medical scans revealed internal testicular bleeding, and he will now undergo a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to competitive action will depend on medical guidance and the resolution of his symptoms.
As precautionary cover, veteran Steve Smith, who has not featured in a T20 international since February last year but has been in good form in the format, will join the squad in Sri Lanka. In the 2026 BBL, Smith played six innings, scoring 299 runs at an average of 59.8 and a strike rate of 167.98, with a highest score of 100. Smith will acclimatise with the team and be ready to step in if required. This development comes as a major blow to Australia, with Marsh’s leadership and all-round abilities missing at the start of the tournament. In the Ireland game, Australia won the toss and opted to bat. Teams: Ireland (Playing XI): Paul Stirling(c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head(c), Josh Inglis(w), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa
