A freak injury, which has forced Australian skipper Mitch Marsh out of his side’s opening match of the ICC tournament, was inadvertently caused by former test wicket-keeper Matthew Wade. Steve Smith has been flown into Sri Lanka to cover for his skipper after Mitch Marsh was ruled out of his side’s 67-run win over Ireland on Wednesday.

 

The injury woes of Australia were exacerbated by the revelation 15 minutes before the toss on Friday in Colombo that Marsh was not playing. Cricket Australia revealed that he was struck by the ball on his groin area during throw-downs on Sunday and revealed some alarming facts about his injury.

 

Cricket Australia said about Marsh in a statement:

 

“He 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.”

 

It has now been revealed that it was the Australian assistant coach, Matthew Wade, who attended to the throw-down, which accidentally struck Marsh. He was using a side-arm thrower, and Marsh, who was batting with a protective box, faced several balls.

 

Also Read | Mitchell Marsh Ruled Out of AUS vs IRE; Steve Smith Added as Cover

 

However, the ball evaded his defense and painfully struck him in the groin. The Australian captain immediately left the nets to get some medical treatment, but could not make it in time for the match against Ireland. His availability for the second Australian match against Zimbabwe on Friday is also in doubt.

 

Steve Smith’s World Cup Hopes Revived After Marsh Blow

 

With no clear timeline in sight for the return of Mitch Marsh, selectors are about to face a big call regarding whether to bring Steve Smith to Australia's injury-hit World Cup squad. Fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are already ruled out, and a new selection is yet to be made for Hazlewood.

 

Marsh’s absence leaves Australia in need of an opener, and Smith is a natural replacement for that spot. His selection will also be a welcome sight to many fans who have been clamoring for Smith’s inclusion, especially with his wonderful form in the Sydney Sixers in the BBL.

 

Read Also | Australia earns easy point after defeating Ireland by 67 runs at Colombo in '26 T20 World Cup

 

Josh Inglis opened the batting in Marsh’s absence as he had been promoted to bat first against Ireland. He scored 37 after overcoming a mix-up with Travis Head, which resulted in the stand-in captain being run out for just six. Inglis and Matt Renshaw scored steady 37s. Matt scored 37 off just 33 deliveries.

 

The fightback was led by experienced Marcus Stoinis, who blasted a quick 45 off 29 balls to help Australia post 182 for 6 in their 20 overs. In a spin-heavy bowling lineup, Cooper Connolly went wicketless, Matt Kuhnemann took 1 for 29, while Adam Zampa was brilliant with 4 for 23. But the pick among the bowlers was pacer Nathan Ellis, who took a brilliant 4 for 12 as Australia shot out Ireland for just 115 to start their campaign with a comprehensive win.