Australia’s Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to back issues he sustained during the home summer. This injury could also put his IPL participation with Lucknow Super Giants in jeopardy.
Australia will have to name a replacement for Marsh before the February 12 deadline to finalize squads for the showpiece tournament.
The all-rounder is yet to feature in a competitive since his sole BBL appearance for Perth Scorchers earlier this month.
Cricket Australia has dismissed reports that the 33-year-old is suffering from stress fractures in his back, but acknowledge the rehabilitation process Marsh has been undergoing seems to have aggravated the problem.
"Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men's Champion's Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction," CA said in a statement on Friday.
"The National Selection Panel and Australian men's medical team ruled Marsh out of the tournament with the injury which has not responded sufficiently to rehabilitation.
"His lower back pain flared in recent weeks leading the NSP to make the longer term decision for Marsh to complete a more extended period of rehabilitation.
"Marsh will now undergo a period of further rest and rehabilitation as part of his return to play plan.
"The NSP will meet to decide on a replacement for Marsh in due course.
"The deadline for the final squads for the ICC Men's Champion's Trophy is prior to Wednesday 12 February."
Marsh's ouster will need adjustments to Australia's top-order plans, considering that he serves as the T20I captain and has also led the ODI side in Pat Cummins' absence.
Jake Fraser-McGurk could be considered as a replacement, although his recent form is not good. Moreover, he is yet to play a 50-over match where he faces more than 50 balls.
Australia already has considerable batting depth in the squad, including spare wicketkeeper Alex Carey. They could opt for an all-rounder like Will Sutherland, or even consider Webster or Cooper Connolly as possible replacements. However, with several batters capable of bowling spin, the team’s options remain flexible.
Australia’s preliminary squad for Champions Trophy: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
