Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith [Source: AFP]In a major blow for Australia, captain Mitchell Marsh is set to miss their first match of the T20 World Cup 2026. The game is scheduled to be played against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday, February 11. Notably, Mitchell Marsh will not be available for Australia’s opening match. This comes after he continued to feel pain and discomfort following a blow to the groin during a training session earlier this week.Steve Smith called up as a cover for Mitchell MarshAs a result, Steve Smith has been added to the squad and will travel to Sri Lanka as cover after Marsh was ruled out of the opening game. It is important to note that Marsh picked up the injury during training earlier in the week, and further medical checks confirmed internal testicular bleeding, which has forced him out of the match.Cricket Australia confirm Mitchell Marsh's unavailabilityDespite the injury, Mitchell Marsh went ahead with his scheduled pre-match press conference on Tuesday. However, news of his absence came out just 15 minutes before the toss in Colombo."He [Marsh] is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement," a Cricket Australia statement said. "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."Standby player Steve Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required."Meanwhile, Marsh’s absence means Australia will effectively have only 12 players to choose from for their opening match. Josh Hazlewood has not yet been officially replaced in the squad, with Sean Abbott currently travelling as a reserve. In addition, Australia star batter Tim David is being rested for the game against Zimbabwe on Friday, February 13 as he continues to recover from the hamstring injury that ended his Big Bash League (BBL 2025-26) season.Steve Smith's impressive form in BBL 2025-26It is important to note that Steve Smith has not yet been officially named in Australia’s World Cup squad. However, the team still has one spot open, which means they can bring him in quickly if needed.Smith last played a T20 international in February 2024, but he is now getting closer to earning a place in the World Cup team. His recent form has been impressive, especially in the BBL with the Sydney Sixers. In just six innings, Steve Smith scored 299 runs at an excellent average of 59.80 and a fast strike rate of 167.97, which has strengthened his case for selection.It is important to note that Travis Head is leading Australia today in Mitchell Marsh's absence.Australia's Playing XI vs Ireland: Josh Inglis (wk), Travis Head (c), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, and Matthew Kuhnemann
