Nathan Ellis has opened up on the Mitchell Marsh injury scare after the Australian all-rounder was ruled out of their opening match against Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday 11 February. Marsh missed the match with a groin injury, prompting a change in management, with Travis Head stepping in in his absence.
The injury occurred during training on Sunday, when Marsh was hit in the groin while throwing a weapon from an assistant coach. He immediately left the nets to receive medical attention, causing concern in the Australian camp ahead of the start of the tournament.
Ellis acknowledged Marsh’s absence was a hindrance, given his experience and the balance he brings as a senior all-rounder. However, he also highlighted the depth of Australia’s squad and expressed optimism that Marsh’s injury was not serious and he could return soon.
T20 World Cup: Australia vs Ireland Highlights
“Yeah, he’s been a bit sore the last couple of days, so poor guy, you don’t envy a guy in that position. I guess we had an inkling yesterday and it kind of worked out today, so it’s never a great scenario for a team when you lose a captain, but also for a guy who goes to bed last night thinking they’re not playing and then he has to come to the press,” Ellis said at the conference.
Australia began their campaign in emphatic fashion, beating Ireland by 67 runs to move to the top of the Group B table with an impressive net rate of +3.350.
WILL AUSTRALIA BE AFFECTED?
Ellis, however, played down concerns of disruption after Marsh’s injury and said the team remained undeterred. He emphasized the team’s calm and easy-going nature, adding that Travis Head has fitted in seamlessly as alternate captain. Ellis emphasized that while Marsh is valued, Australia have moved on quickly.
“But when it comes to breaking the team, we have the easiest, easiest group in the world. Travis Head came in as captain and his heart rate probably doesn’t go over 25 at the best of times. So yeah, luckily, of course, we all want Mitchie there and we love Mitchie to lead us. But yeah, it wasn’t talked about too much, Ellis wasn’t talked about too much and we just ran.”
Australia will be hoping Mitchell Marsh regains full fitness in time for their clash with Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe on Friday 13 February in Colombo. The Aussies have already been hit by injuries, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood out, while Tim David also missed the Ireland game with a hamstring strain.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 11, 2026