Mitchell Marsh confirms Tim David snub for Australia vs Ireland T20 World Cup match

Tim David out of AUS vs IRE T20 WC clash [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, captain Mitchell Marsh revealed that explosive batter Tim David wouldn't play Australia's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland. In the pre-match press conference, Marsh stated that Tim David would require a bit more time to recover from the hamstring injury that sidelined him from the BBL 2025-26.

Tim David is one of Australia's most prolific players in recent times. So, his injury is a massive setback for Mitchell Marsh and his troops, who aim to get a winning start to the T20 World Cup. 

Tim David set to miss AUS vs IRE match, confirms Mitch Marsh

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh cleared the air on Tim David's availability, revealing that the middle-order batter will miss the tournament opener against Ireland on Wednesday. The veteran opener stated that despite being sidelined from the Ireland clash, David is tipped to return to the Australian playing XI in the upcoming matches. 

"We'll certainly see him come back into contention over the next few games," Marsh was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au. 

Tim David is a vital cog in the Australian middle order, having amassed 1596 runs at an average of 36.3 and a blistering strike rate of 168.9. However, as he has yet to complete his rehabilitation, his unavailability opens the door for Matt Renshaw for a middle-order batter's role. 

Matt Renshaw likely to be picked as David's replacement

Although Australia have Cooper Connolly in their squad, Matt Renshaw might pip the southpaw as Tim David's potential replacement. The left-handed batter had an outstanding BBL run for the Brisbane Heat, scoring 324 runs at a superb strike rate of 153.55. He has played three T20Is for Australia, managing 18 runs with a highest score of 15. 

Nathan Ellis cleared to play Australia's T20 World Cup opener vs Ireland

Meanwhile, in an encouraging sign for Australia, Nathan Ellis has been cleared to play Australia's first T20 World Cup match . The fast bowler had sustained a hamstring injury, as fitness issues jeopardised his campaign. However, as revealed by Cricket.com.au, the fast bowler has received fitness clearance and will feature in this match. 

Notably, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have already been sidelined from the entire tournament due to injury. In their absence, Nathan Ellis will play a significant role for Australia in the T20 World Cup. 

The right-arm pacer is one of the most successful bowlers for Australia of late. Overall, he has bagged 50 wickets in 32 T20I matches at a strike rate of 13.5, showcasing his expertise in the middle and death overs. 

Australia's T20 World Cup schedule

Led by Mitchell Marsh, Australia will face Ireland on Wednesday, February 11. After that, they will take on Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Oman in their subsequent matches in Colombo and Pallekele, on February 13, 16 and 20, respectively. 

Apart from Ellis and Renshaw, the 2021 edition winners will rely on the experienced players like Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa to bag their second title in the tournament.