Steve Smith’s dream of playing at the 2026 T20 World Cup has come true after he was asked to fly to Sri Lanka as a cover for team captain Mitchell Marsh, who was ruled out of the opener against Ireland with a groin injury he suffered in the nets, which later led to testicular bleeding. Although Marsh attended the pre-match presser on Tuesday (Feb 10), the news of him missing out on Australia's tournament opener came just 15 minutes before the toss, with his opening partner, Travis Head, coming out with the teamsheet.&nbsp;A Cricket Australia (CA) statement detailed the reason behind Marsh’s absence, while announcing Steve Smith as a cover, should he be required.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-has-colombo-advantage-ryan-ten-doeschate-welcomes-u-turn-but-warns-india-of-tough-t20-world-cup-clash-feb-15-colombo-1770789110788">‘Pakistan has Colombo advantage’: Ten Doeschate welcomes U-turn but warns India of tough T20 World Cup clash</a> &nbsp;"He [Marsh] is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort, which is restricting his movement," a CA 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 Steven Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required,” it continued. &nbsp;Marsh’s absence forced Australia to pick the playing XI out of just 12 players, with no Tim David available for selection for the Ireland game, as earlier announced by Marsh. While David was held back for the Zimbabwe game on Friday after he suffered a hamstring injury, which ended his BBL 15 run, Australia has yet to announce seamer Josh Hazlewood’s replacement, who was also ruled out of the tournament just at the cusp of it. &nbsp;Seamer Sean Abbott is, however, part of the travelling reserve and not the main squad.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, Steve Smith’s return to the T20I side is a welcoming move, rewarding the veteran batter for his glorious T20 form, the result of which was his team’s success in the concluded Big Bash League season. Having last played a T20I in 2024, Smith shone for Sydney Sixers in BBL 15, hitting 299 runs, including a hundred and a fifty and striking at over 167 in six innings.&nbsp;<h3>Australia bat first against Ireland</h3>After winning the toss, the stand-in skipper, Travis Head, elected to bat first, with Australia completing 100 inside 12 overs for the loss of four wickets.&nbsp; &nbsp;After Head’s early dismissal on just six, opener Josh Inglis and Cameron Green added 49 for the second wicket. Two quick wickets and that of all-rounder Glenn Maxwell later put Australia’s back against the wall.&nbsp;

A Cricket Australia (CA) statement detailed the reason behind Marsh’s absence, while announcing Steve Smith as a cover, should he be required. 

Steve Smith’s dream of playing at the 2026 T20 World Cup has come true after he was asked to fly to Sri Lanka as a cover for team captain Mitchell Marsh, who was ruled out of the opener against Ireland with a groin injury he suffered in the nets, which later led to testicular bleeding. Although Marsh attended the pre-match presser on Tuesday (Feb 10), the news of him missing out on Australia's tournament opener came just 15 minutes before the toss, with his opening partner, Travis Head, coming out with the teamsheet. A Cricket Australia (CA) statement detailed the reason behind Marsh’s absence, while announcing Steve Smith as a cover, should he be required. Also read | ‘Pakistan has Colombo advantage’: Ten Doeschate welcomes U-turn but warns India of tough T20 World Cup clash "He [Marsh] is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort, which is restricting his movement," a CA 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 Steven Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required,” it continued. Marsh’s absence forced Australia to pick the playing XI out of just 12 players, with no Tim David available for selection for the Ireland game, as earlier announced by Marsh. While David was held back for the Zimbabwe game on Friday after he suffered a hamstring injury, which ended his BBL 15 run, Australia has yet to announce seamer Josh Hazlewood’s replacement, who was also ruled out of the tournament just at the cusp of it. Seamer Sean Abbott is, however, part of the travelling reserve and not the main squad. Meanwhile, Steve Smith’s return to the T20I side is a welcoming move, rewarding the veteran batter for his glorious T20 form, the result of which was his team’s success in the concluded Big Bash League season. Having last played a T20I in 2024, Smith shone for Sydney Sixers in BBL 15, hitting 299 runs, including a hundred and a fifty and striking at over 167 in six innings. Australia bat first against Ireland After winning the toss, the stand-in skipper, Travis Head, elected to bat first, with Australia completing 100 inside 12 overs for the loss of four wickets. After Head’s early dismissal on just six, opener Josh Inglis and Cameron Green added 49 for the second wicket. Two quick wickets and that of all-rounder Glenn Maxwell later put Australia’s back against the wall.

A Cricket Australia (CA) statement detailed the reason behind Marsh’s absence, while announcing Steve Smith as a cover, should he be required.&nbsp;

T20 World Cup: Steve Smith to join Australia squad as Mitchell Marsh out of opener vs Ireland

Delhi Capitals (DC) have been handed a huge blow amid their ongoing campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 as Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh's participation in the tournament is in doubt after an injury. Marsh has pulled out of Australia's upcoming limited-overs series against Pakistan due to a hip injury.

Marsh was part of the Australian squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series and the one-off T20I against Pakistan. However, the all-rounder will now miss the entire leg. The timing of his injury has also raised concerns over his participation in the ongoing IPL 2022.

The Aussie all-rounder was roped in by Delhi Capitals for a sum of Rs&nbsp;6.5 crore (INR 65 million) at the mega auction last month and was expected to play a key role for the franchise this season. However, his injury has added to Delhi Capitals' woes in the ongoing season.

Delhi Capitals were already set to miss the services of both David Warner and Marsh for the first couple of weeks due to Australia's tour of Pakistan. However, an injury to Marsh can now force the all-rounder to miss the entire season for DC. In case Marsh is ruled out from the entire IPL 2022, it will be a big blow for DC, who already lack quality all-rounders in their squad.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/delhi-capitals-tim-seifert-pulls-off-stunning-catch-to-send-kieron-pollard-packing-in-mi-clash-watch-466008">Delhi Capitals' Tim Seifert pulls off stunning catch to send Kieron Pollard packing in MI clash - WATCH</a>

In their opening game against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, Delhi Capitals played only two overseas stars in their XI due to the unavailability of the players. While South African pacer Anrich Nortje is not yet fully fit to feature in the tournament, pacers Lungi Ngidi and Mustafizur Rahman recently joined the squad after the conclusion of Bangladesh's ODI series against South Africa.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-will-he-do-when-virat-kohli-brushed-away-parthiv-patels-suggestion-to-try-jaspit-bumrah-for-rcb-466302">'What will he do': When Virat Kohli brushed away Parthiv Patel's suggestion to try Jaspit Bumrah for RCB</a>

Delhi Capitals will be hoping for Marsh to recover in time and be available for selection as soon as possible. However, if the Australian all-rounder fails to recover in time, this will be the third successive IPL&nbsp;season he will not be playing for his side. Marsh had injured his ankle while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in their first game in IPL 2020 and was ruled out for the entire season.

He missed the tournament last year citing bio-bubble fatigue and is now in line to miss his third straight IPL season.

Delhi Capitals (DC) have been handed a huge blow amid their ongoing campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 as Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh's participation in the tournament is in doubt after an injury.

Delhi Capitals (DC) have been handed a huge blow amid their ongoing campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 as Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh's participation in the tournament is in doubt after an injury. Marsh has pulled out of Australia's upcoming limited-overs series against Pakistan due to a hip injury. Marsh was part of the Australian squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series and the one-off T20I against Pakistan. However, the all-rounder will now miss the entire leg. The timing of his injury has also raised concerns over his participation in the ongoing IPL 2022. The Aussie all-rounder was roped in by Delhi Capitals for a sum of Rs 6.5 crore (INR 65 million) at the mega auction last month and was expected to play a key role for the franchise this season. However, his injury has added to Delhi Capitals' woes in the ongoing season. Delhi Capitals were already set to miss the services of both David Warner and Marsh for the first couple of weeks due to Australia's tour of Pakistan. However, an injury to Marsh can now force the all-rounder to miss the entire season for DC. In case Marsh is ruled out from the entire IPL 2022, it will be a big blow for DC, who already lack quality all-rounders in their squad. Also Read: Delhi Capitals' Tim Seifert pulls off stunning catch to send Kieron Pollard packing in MI clash - WATCH In their opening game against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, Delhi Capitals played only two overseas stars in their XI due to the unavailability of the players. While South African pacer Anrich Nortje is not yet fully fit to feature in the tournament, pacers Lungi Ngidi and Mustafizur Rahman recently joined the squad after the conclusion of Bangladesh's ODI series against South Africa. Also Read: 'What will he do': When Virat Kohli brushed away Parthiv Patel's suggestion to try Jaspit Bumrah for RCB Delhi Capitals will be hoping for Marsh to recover in time and be available for selection as soon as possible. However, if the Australian all-rounder fails to recover in time, this will be the third successive IPL season he will not be playing for his side. Marsh had injured his ankle while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in their first game in IPL 2020 and was ruled out for the entire season. He missed the tournament last year citing bio-bubble fatigue and is now in line to miss his third straight IPL season.

Huge blow for Delhi Capitals as Mitchell Marsh's IPL participation in doubt after hip injury

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T20 World Cup: Steve Smith to join Australia squad as Mitchell Marsh out of opener vs Ireland

Huge blow for Delhi Capitals as Mitchell Marsh's IPL participation in doubt after hip injury