Even before a ball being bowled in their campaign for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, Australia have faced a massive injury setback as their captain, Mitchell Marsh, has been ruled out of the tournament’s opening game against Ireland as he suffered a blow to the groin during training earlier this week, which led to testicular bleeding.

Mitchell Marsh did the pre-match press conference while the news emerged just 15 minutes before the start of the game in Colombo. His absence means Australia, who entered the World Cup quite late, having lost their previous bilateral away T20I series against Pakistan by a 3-0 margin, have to open with Travis Head and Josh Inglis.

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“He [Marsh] is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort, which is restricting his movement. 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.” The Cricket Australia statement has revealed the update.

Australia call Steve Smith as cover for Mitchell Marsh for T20 WC 2026

It also means that Australia is effectively selecting from only 12 players for their opening clash with Josh Hazlewood, yet to be officially replaced in the squad, as Tim David continued to be held back for their second morning clash against Zimbabwe two days later in Kandy after the hamstring injury ended David’s campaign in the BBL 2025/26.

Sean Abbott is there, but as a travelling reserve and hasn’t been part of the official squad yet. Meanwhile, Steve Smith will now have to scratch his holiday plans and fly to Sri Lanka to join the squad. He played his last T20I in February 2024 and is now a step closer to being parachuted into the World Cup squad.

Smith was in fabulous touch in the BBL 2025/26 campaign for the Sydney Sixers with the help of 299 runs at an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of 167.97 in six innings as they ended up being the runners-up of the campaign. Pat Cummins had already ruled himself out of the tournament for Australia/