Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa showed why they will be key to Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup bid in a thrashing of Ireland as Steve Smith prepared to fly into Colombo amid doubts over the fitness of Mitchell Marsh.
Australia’s selectors have been given a fresh set of questions by a training blow to Marsh that has left him with testicular bleeding and an unclear return date.
Nathan Ellis was superb.Credit: AP
Marsh watched the Ireland game from the team viewing area, but there is now the possibility that Smith may come into the squad if the captain’s groin injury does not heal quickly.
Stand-in skipper Travis Head was given a straightforward evening in the field by Ellis (4-12) and Zampa (4-23), who got off to the ideal start as the team’s attack leaders in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Smith took part in the Adelaide Pro-Am for LIV Golf on Wednesday but will be on the next available flight to Sri Lanka.
Marsh may yet be ruled out of the event entirely after scans showed he is suffering a more serious issue than the usual soreness experienced after copping a ball amidships.
“Mitchell Marsh will miss the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after sustaining a direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week,” said a Cricket Australia spokesperson. “He 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.
“Standby player Steve Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required.“
Smith was controversially omitted from the squad for the Cup despite some stunning displays in recent editions of the Big Bash League, but remained in Australia on standby.
Without Marsh, Josh Inglis (37) opened for Australia and did well after he was involved in an early mix-up that ended with Head’s run out.
Cameron Green (21) did not make the most of his start, and it required a serviceable stand between Matt Renshaw (37) and Marcus Stoinis (45) to ensure Australia put up a strong total in slow and dry Colombo conditions.
