ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Mitchell Marsh gives Australia the biggest dent

In a recent development, Australia has suffered a major setback ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played in Pakistan and Dubai. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury, and the team must name a replacement before the February 12 deadline.

Marsh has been struggling with back issues since the first Test of the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. He lost his place to Beau Webster before the final match in Sydney. He has not played any cricket since making a single appearance for the Perth Scorchers in the BBL 2024-25 earlier this month.

Mitchell Marsh Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday that Mitchell Marsh will miss the ICC Champions Trophy due to ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction. The statement added that the National Selection Panel and medical team ruled him out of the tournament as his back pain has worsened in recent weeks.

"Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men's Champion's Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction," CA said in a statement today.

"The National Selection Panel and Australian men's medical team ruled Marsh out of the tournament with the injury which has not responded sufficiently to rehabilitation."

"His lower back pain flared in recent weeks leading the NSP to make the longer-term decision for Marsh to complete a more extended period of rehabilitation."

Mitchell Marsh to Focus on Rest and Rehabilitation Following Injury

Marsh will now focus on rest and rehabilitation as part of his recovery plan. Cricket Australia stated that the National Selection Panel will decide on his replacement soon. The final squad for the ICC Champions Trophy must be submitted by February 12.

"Marsh will now undergo a period of further rest and rehabilitation as part of his return to play plan. The NSP will meet to decide on a replacement for Marsh in due course," the statement added.

"The deadline for the final squads for the ICC Men's Champion's Trophy is before Wednesday 12 February."

Australia Faces Injury Concerns for Key Players Ahead of Champions Trophy

Mitchell Marsh played a crucial role in Australia's ODI World Cup 2023 win in India, scoring 441 runs at an average of 49.00 and a strike rate of 107.56, including two centuries. His absence from the Champions Trophy leaves a gap in the middle order, allowing Alex Carey to play as a specialist batter.

Australia is also dealing with injury concerns, as Marcus Stoinis (hamstring) and captain Pat Cummins (ankle) are recovering from setbacks, while Cameron Green has already been ruled out following back surgery. If Cummins is unavailable for the tournament, Steve Smith or Josh Inglis could lead the side.

Also read: Jacob Duffy set to replace Lockie Ferguson in New Zealand’s squad for tri-series in Pakistan