Mitchell Marsh - (Source:X.com)
In a significant development, things have gone from bad to worse for Cricket Australia as their regular skipper Mitchell Marsh is all but ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, the star opener is coping with a testicular injury and is struggling to recover in time for the remaining games.
For the unversed, Marsh missed Australia's opening game against Ireland on February 11. In his absence, Travis Head led the side and helped the Men in Yellow clinch a 67-run win.
Steve Smith to be added as Marsh's replacement
The report of Mitchell Marsh nearly out of the World Cup was spread by Cricket Australia.au. It also added that Steve Smith has been added as a travelling reverse and in case, the right-handed batter gets officially ruled out of the tournament, then Smith will join the 15-member squad.
At present, Australia have just 14 players in the squad as Cricket Australia didn't name a replacement for Josh Hazlewood who was the first to be ruled out of the tournament because of Achilles heel injury.
Why will Australia miss Mitchel Marsh in T20 World Cup 2026?
It is a big blow to Australia as they will miss Marsh's services, who has been in some fine form. Talking about his recent appearance, the 34-year-old featured in BBL 2025-26, where he amassed 360 runs in 12 innings, averaging 30.00.
Notably, Marsh also scored 44 (43) in the BBL final, which helped his side win the prestigious T20 tournament. Overall, he scored 454 runs in 14 innings, averaging 37.83. Further, he maintained a strike-rate of 158.58.
Will Steve Smith be a great asset for Australia in T20 World Cup 2026?
For the unversed, Smith Smith has not played a T20I for the Men in Yellow for over two years and his inclusion will be one of the biggest comebacks in T20 cricket. However, Smith's inclusion is positive for Australia because the right-handed batter is in some form.
Recently, Smith featured in BBL 2025-26, where he played six innings and amassed 299 runs, averaging 59.80 for Sydney Sixers. Smudge scored a century, and two fifties to put on a show for his fans. Therefore, Cricket Australia have thought of Steve Smith in the T20 World Cup squad.
Tim David likely to feature against Zimbabwe
Australian camp has been hit with several injuries and one of them is Tim David, who couldn't recover in time for the T20 World Cup 2026 opener against Ireland. However, the news from the centre is that David might feature in upcoming match against Zimbabwe on February 13.
Notably, Tim David suffered the injury while batting for Hobart Hurricanes on December 26 last year during BBL 2025. In case, David returns to the team, then Australia would have an option to ask Cameron Green to open the innings with depth in the middle-order.
Nonetheless, one out of David or Smith will play for Australia against Zimbabwe.
