Online Reporter
COLOMBO — Could Steve Smith line up against Zimbabwe at the T20 World Cup after a testicular injury ruled out skipper Mitch Marsh?
Marsh, whose father once coached Zimbabwe, has been ruled out of T20 World Cup after sustaining a direct hit to the box at training earlier this week. Smith has been rushed to Sri Lanka as cover for Marsh “to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required”.
If Australia want to take the risk of having one less bowling option, Smith could come into the 15-man squad for Josh Hazlewood, who has already been ruled out with an Achilles issue but is yet to be replaced.
Smith was controversially overlooked despite starring for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL, plundering 299 runs at an average of 59.8, including a sparkling century against the Sydney Thunder.
The 36-year-old hasn’t played a T20 international in two years, and was playing in LIV golf’s Pro-Am in Adelaide on Wednesday.
Marsh is one of the most devastating white-ball players in the world, and was set to play a crucial opening role alongside Travis Head for the tournament.
Australia face Zimbabwe today, giving Marsh little time to recover in time for that match.
Master blaster Tim David was already ruled out of the opening match as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
“He is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement,” Cricket Australia said.
“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.
“Standby player Steve Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required.”
Smith said he expected to be available from Monday night’s game against Sri Lanka.
“He’s been a little bit sore over the last few days, so poor bugger, you don’t envy a man in that position,” cricketer Nathan Ellis said of Marsh.
“We sort of got an inkling probably yesterday and it sort of played out today, so never a great scenario for the team when you lose a captain, but also for the person who goes to bed last night thinking they’re not playing and then has to come in.
“But in terms of disruption with the team, we’ve got the easiest, most easy going group in the world. Travis Head stepped in as captain and his heart rate probably doesn’t get above 25 at the best of times.
“So yeah, thankfully, obviously, we all want Mitchie there, and we love Mitchie leading us. But yeah, it wasn’t spoken about too much, and we just tried to hit the ground running.” — Sydney Morning Herald/Agencies
