Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is heading back home to Perth ahead of the marquee clash against the defending champions England, with no expected time of return. It is reported that he will miss the World Cup indefinitely due to personal reasons.
After Glenn Maxwell’s concussion from falling off a golf cart forced him out of Saturday’s play against England, the Australians found themselves in a difficult situation towards the end of the marquee event.
It is unclear how long the 32-year-old would be out of the team and if another team member would be needed in his stead.
“A timeline on his return to the squad is to be confirmed,” Cricket Australia release stated.
Mitchell Marsh was a key member of Australia’s ODI World Cup squad and has been hitting the ball well lately the right-hander scored his second-ever ODI century in the game, which helped them to beat Pakistan in Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell’s exit has left Australia a bit worried. The side has found its rhythm after losing its first two matches of the competition and going on to win four straight games. Marcus Stoinis appears certain to play against England, with the two all-rounders from their most recent encounter now eliminated from the equation.
Cameron Green is expected to play in place of one of the all-rounders since Travis Head is expected to play a bigger role with the ball in order to offset Maxwell’s overs. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are probably going back to their more comfortable spots at three and four.
Whether or not to replace Marsh in their 15-man team will be Australia’s next decision in the coming days, so Cricket Australia would be keen to know about his status and take a decision regarding the matter.
Tanveer Sangha, a leg-spinner, is the only travelling reserve for Australia currently available and it would be interesting to see whether the team management opts to travel other options like Tim David and Aaron Hardie for the rest of the tournament.
On November 4, Australia and England will square off against each other at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium and the Pat Cummins-led side will look to secure victory against the defending champions to seal their spot in the semifinals of the ODI World Cup.