The Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and the UAE due to a back complaint he battled during the home summer.
Marsh who was ruled out for Australia’s test line-up before the final match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy campaign against India, has not played since a sole BBL appearance for Perth Scorchers earlier this month.
Marsh had a tough season as his test spot has been handed to Beau Webster for the final match against India.
“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 today.
“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.
🚨 Mitch Marsh has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy with a back issue
More: https://t.co/tRDaUSHYrX pic.twitter.com/ozuXcLYctT
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 31, 2025
“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.”
Meanwhile it remains uncertain of Pat Cummins’ availability for the Champions Trophy as he is currently unavailble due to ankle problem and birth of the second child. Hence, Marsh was considered as skipper in his absence..
With Marsh being ruled out and Cummins’ uncertainity has brought up the ODI captaincy to Steve Smith who is currently leading the test squad in Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka 2025.
The side has a lot of batting cover in the Australia squad for ICC event, including the wk-batter Alex Carey who could be a potential replacement for the all-rounder.
Australia has been place in Group B along with England, South Africa and Afghanistan. Their first match of the 50-over tournament will be played against England on February 22 at Gaddafi Stadium.
