Why Mitchell Marsh is Not Playing Today in PAK vs AUS 1st T20I?

The Australian Cricket Team are up against the Pakistan Cricket Team in the opening game of the three-match T20I series. The series opener between the teams is underway at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, January 29.

The PAK vs AUS series marks the final preparation for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which will begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. For the Mitchell Marsh-led side, they have adopted the rotation policy in the series and some of the key players for the opening game are missing.

One among them is captain Mitchell Marsh, who wasn’t named in the playing XI for the first T20I. This made many wonder as to why the Australian captain missed the game, especially the first game of the series.

Why Mitchell Marsh is Not Playing Today in PAK vs AUS 1st T20I?

The Australian team management has decided to rest their premier cricketer Mitchell Marsh for the PAK vs AUS 1st T20I. This is because he recently featured in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 final for Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers on Sunday, January 25.

Marsh not playing the game leaves a massive void for Australia at the top of the order. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the best T20 batsmen in the world. The Australian skipper has been in red-hot form, which was evident in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26.

It is expected that Marsh will be back for the second T20I which will take place on the same ground. Not only his batting, but the all-rounder will be important keeping his leadership in mind.

Who will be Mitchell Marsh Replacement as Australia's Captain?

In Marsh's absence, Travis Head will lead Australia in the opening encounter against Pakistan, and will have a great responsibility on his hands. This will be the second time Head will lead Australia in T20Is, having captained the team in Cardiff in 2024.

Travis Head is currently the vice-captain of the Australian T20I team. The left-hander is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world and it remains to be seen how he performs as Australia's captain.

In the absence of Marsh, Matthew Short will be opening the innings along with the captain Head. Just like Head, Short has been a consistent player in the Big Bash League and his presence at the top makes this batting line-up even stronger.

Australia have fielded three debutants for this match. Jack Edwards, Matt Renshaw, and Mahli Beardman will be wearing the Australian jersey in the shortest format for the first time.

Australia Playing 11 for 1st T20I Against Pakistan

Travis Head (c), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman