Why Mitchell Marsh is Not Playing Today in AUS vs IRE T20 World Cup 2026?

Australia are making their first appearance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 in a Group B clash against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Ireland are coming off a loss against Sri Lanka in their first game and would want to get a win to stay alive in the competition.

Meanwhile, Australia opted to bat first after winning the toss, but an unexpected change came when Travis Head stepped out for the toss instead of Mitchell Marsh, who is not playing today.

Why Mitchell Marsh is Not Playing Today?

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has been left out of the squad for the AUS vs IRE T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo. The stand-in skipper, Travis Head, revealed at the toss that Marsh sustained an injury during a training session a couple of days ago, due to which he has been rested for the clash.

All-rounder Cooper Connolly has been included in the squad as Mitchell Marsh replacement. Opening batter Travis Head, the vice-captain of Australia, will be leading the team in this match.

Mitchell Marsh is a arguably one of the best all-rounders in the world and has emerged as a big match-winner over the last few years. The star batter is undoubtedly one of the most experienced players in the Australia squad.

He played a big role in Australia's only T20 World Cup triumph in 2021 and was later named the captain of the team as well. Marsh has appeared in 83 T20I matches and scored 2,102 runs at an impressive average of 32.33, including 11 half-centuries and one century.

Steve Smith Called Up as Mitchell Marsh's Cover

According to reports, Cricket Australia has sent veteran batter Steve Smith to Sri Lanka as a cover. He can be used as Mitchell Marsh replacement for T20 World Cup in case the latter doesn't get fit on time. Smith was in excellent form during the recently-concluded Big Bash League (BBL), where he played for Sydney Sixers.

Smith is one of the best batsmen in the world and could be a perfect replacement for Marsh, given his excellent recent form, especially in the shortest format of the game. The right-hander has already retired from the ODIs but is still an active player in Tests and T20Is.

The former Australia captain has already indicated earlier that he wants to play the LA28 Olympics. While his BBL form could not get him into Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, Marsh's injury has allowed him to make a comeback.