Australia's T20 World Cup Hopes Hit by Injuries

Mitchel Marsh out of T20 World Cup opener with groin injury

Aussie captain Mitchell Marsh ruled out of T20 World Cup opener with groin injury, Travis Head to lead Australia.

“Scans have confirmed internal ‌testicular bleeding, and he will require a ⁠period of rest ‌and rehabilitation...”

Australia's captain Mitchell Marsh won't be leading his team in their Twenty20 World Cup opener against Ireland due to a groin injury. Marsh suffered a direct blow to the groin during training, resulting in internal testicular bleeding, and will require rest and rehabilitation.

Travis Head will take over as captain, with Steve Smith joining the squad in Sri Lanka as cover. Matthew Renshaw will also make his way into the team. Smith, who last played a T20I in February 2024, has been impressive in the Big Bash League, scoring 299 runs in six matches.

Mitchell Marsh has suffered a blow to the groin during training, causing pain and discomfort that limits his movement, according to the board. This update comes after he was involved in an incident earlier this week. 

Mitch Marsh out of the T20 World Cup after sustaining a serous groin injury at training. #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/B0xM6Bd8qT

— Robert Cianflone (@Sportsnapper71) February 11, 2026

“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,” CA said in a statement.

Australia's Head downplayed the seriousness of Marsh's injury, saying he was “unlucky to miss out” and didn't provide a return timeline. 

“Unfortunately Mitchie Marsh has copped a blow at training a couple of days ago and no one has been willing to massage it out ‌for him,” Head joked after winning the toss and opting to bat.

“He's the unfortunate one but the rest (of the side) is the same. It's nice to have a couple of boys back from the Pakistan series. Strong team and we're looking forward to going well.”

Aussies are missing some big guns: Pat Cummins (back injury) and Josh Hazlewood (Achilles and hamstring) are out, while Mitchell Starc has ditched T20s. Tim David's also sidelined with a hamstring strain for the opener.

Australia's next up is Zimbabwe on Friday - will they bounce back?