Mitchell Marsh ruled out of Australia squad for Pakistan ODIs with ankle injury
Perth, May 26
Australia will enter their ODI series against Pakistan with another change in leadership as Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out due to an ankle injury, which clears the way for Josh Inglis to captain the team in the three-match series starting on Saturday.
Marsh was expected to lead Australia in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins. He sustained the injury during the IPL and has returned to Perth for further assessment and treatment. The all-rounder missed the Lucknow Super Giants' final IPL game and will not join the Pakistan tour.
Cricket Australia confirmed the news, stating, "Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the ODI Series against Pakistan with an ankle injury. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis will lead the Australian side in Pakistan in Marsh's absence."
"Marsh, who missed the final match of Lucknow Super Giants' IPL season, will remain in Perth for further assessment and treatment until further notice. His availability for the white-ball tour of Bangladesh will be determined in due course."
This latest setback means Australia will rely on their fourth-choice captain for the series, as both Cummins and vice-captain Travis Head are unavailable due to IPL playoff commitments. Inglis has previously captained Australia once before, coincidentally against Pakistan in November 2024, when several first-choice players were also missing.
Australia's weakened touring group will also lack pace trio Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Cummins for both the Pakistan and Bangladesh white-ball tours. Head is expected to join the squad only after the IPL ends.
The ODI series against Pakistan will be held in Islamabad and Lahore before Australia heads to Bangladesh for another limited-overs series. Marsh has not yet been replaced in the squad, leaving selectors with another decision to make before the opening game.
Australia squad for Pakistan ODIs: Josh Inglis (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake, Adam Zampa
Pakistan series schedule:
First ODI: May 30, Rawalpindi
Second ODI: June 2, Lahore
Third ODI: June 4, Lahore
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a huge blow for Australia! Mitchell Marsh has been such a key player for them, and now they're down to their fourth-choice captain. Meanwhile, players like Cummins and Head are still playing IPL. Kinda makes you wonder about the scheduling conflicts between international cricket and the IPL. 🤔
As an Indian fan, I feel this is a golden opportunity for Pakistan. Australia's bowling attack without Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins is basically unrecognizable. With Babar and Rizwan in form, Pakistan should be able to chase down any target. But knowing Pakistan cricket, they'll somehow make it difficult for themselves 😂
Respect to Marsh for trying to manage his workload, but these IPL injuries are becoming a recurring theme for Australian players. CA needs to think about how much cricket their players are exposed to. At this rate, we might see a full second-string Australian team touring Pakistan. Inglis captaining is actually a smart move though - he's shown good leadership in the BBL.
Honestly, I think Australia is making a mistake by not sending a stronger squad. With Marsh out, Inglis leading, and no main pacers, this feels like an A-team tour. Pakistan should really capitalize on this. But then again, Australian domestic cricket produces fighters - I won't be surprised if some unknown bowler tears through Pakistan's batting. That's the thing about Aussie cricket, yaar.
Good news for Inglis! He's been in decent form and this captaincy opportunity will be great for his development. But seriously, CA needs to have
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