IPL 2025: Mitchell Marsh FORCED to play for LSG despite back problem

Australia allrounder Mitchell Marsh has been cleared to play the entire season of IPL 2025. Marsh's availability is a huge boost for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who were waiting for confirmation about his availability.

Mitchell Marsh didn't feature in the recently concluded Champions Trophy and also the ODI tour of Sri Lanka as he suffered lower back pain and dysfunction. The injury is believed to be related to a disc problem that has been troubling him since the UK tour last year.

However, he contacted a back specialist earlier this year and underwent a period of rest in order to be completely fit. The all-rounder has started batting in the last few weeks and has been cleared to play in IPL 2025 despite the back issues.

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Mitchell Marsh cleared to play IPL 2025

While Mitchell Marsh has been cleared to play, it is believed that he will be available as a specialist batter only, as per ESPNCricinfo. The 33-year-old allrounder is yet not available to bowl which can affect his chances of making it to the Playing XI.

Marsh was signed by Delhi Capitals for INR 3.40 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. With him not being able to bowl, it is likely that he might be used as an impact player.

He is likely to join LSG on March 18 and will link up with his former Australia head coach Justin Langer, who is at the same role in Lucknow as well. It will be the second season for Langer as LSG's head coach.

Mitchell Marsh's IPL 2024 season

Marsh has was a part of Delhi Capitals in the last three seasons but has been suffering constantly from injury issues. He suffered a hamstring injury after playing just four matches last season and had to return home midway for rehabilitation.

He scored 61 runs in four matches in IPL 2024 at an average of just 15.25. With the ball, he picked up just a solitary wicket in the season at an economy rate of 12.87.

After returning, he led Australia in the T20 World Cup 2024 where they suffered a shocking defeat to Afghanistan to be ruled out of the tournament from the Super Eight stage.

Apart from Delhi Capitals, Mitchell Marsh has also played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rising Pune Supergiants, Pune Warriors, and Deccan Chargers before in the Indian Premier League.

Mitchell Marsh's last competitive game

Marsh's last competitive match was in the Big Bash League on January 7 where he was playing for Perth Scorchers against Melbourne Renegades. The allrounder was dismissed for a golden duck in that game.

He was rested for Scorchers' last two matches. Earlier, he was dropped from Australia's Test team after poor performances in the first four Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was replaced by another allrounder Beau Webster, who impressed on his debut.

The 33-year-old allrounder would have played a key role in Australia's campaign in the Champions Trophy had he been available to play. But Australia suffered due to the inexperience in the batting line-up which ended their chances in the semi-finals.