New Delhi, 11 February (H.S.): Australia cricket team suffered a major blow ahead of their ICC T20 World Cup opener against Ireland, as captain Mitchell Marsh has been sidelined by a groin injury. Cricket Australia issued a statement hours before Thursday's match confirming his absence.

According to Cricket Australia, Marsh sustained a direct blow to the groin during a training session earlier this week, experiencing persistent pain and discomfort thereafter. Scans confirmed internal testicular bleeding, limiting his activities currently; rest and rehabilitation are essential, with his return to the field contingent entirely on symptom improvement and medical clearance.

Cricket Australia has not announced a definitive timeline for Marsh's recovery. Meanwhile, selectors summoned standby veteran batsman Steve Smith to Sri Lanka as cover, enabling him to join the team if needed and acclimatize to conditions accordingly.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar