T20 World Cup 2026: Mitchell Marsh ruled out of Australia vs Ireland, Steven Smith to join team in Sri Lanka

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of their opening match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 against Ireland. The star all-rounder, who was set to open alongside vice-captain Travis Head in the twenty-team tournament. Marsh has been undergoing a discomfort in his groin area, which is not allowing the cricketer to move freely.

Meanwhile, star batter Steven Smith has been called to the Australian squad as a cover for Marsh, in case the latter gets ruled out of any further matches in the tournament. Smith will not officially be a part of the squad but will be taking part as a standby player.

"He [Marsh] is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement. 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," Cricket Australia said in a statement. 

"Standby player Steven Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required," the statement read further.

Australia to open with Head, Josh Inglis

As a result, Head is donning the captain's hat for the Aussies against the Irishmen in the Group B at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Since Marsh isn't available, the Australians will find an opening pair in Head and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis. Cameron Green, meanwhile, will continue to bat in his usual position of No. 3.

"Yeah, there have been a couple of niggles, unfortunately. Marsh copped a blow at training a couple of days ago and no one’s been willing to massage it out for him. So he’s the unfortunate one. The rest is the same. We should have a couple of boys back from our Pakistan series. But yeah, it’s a strong team and we’re looking forward to it," Head said after the winning the toss.

Australia Playing XI vs IRE, Match 14 of T20 World Cup 2026

Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Travis Head (captain), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann