Mitchell Marsh infected with COVID-19, yet he will participate in the 1st T20I vs the West Indies

Australia’s T20I captain, Mitchell Marsh, has tested positive for COVID-19 just before the start of the home T20I series against the West Indies. However, despite being infected with COVID-19, Mitchell Marsh will still participate in the first T20I match on Friday, February 9.

Australia will host the three-match T20I series against the West Indies, with the first game scheduled to take place at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart. Notably, the home team whitewashed the West Indies team in the recent ODI series by a dominant 3-0 margin.

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Mitchell Marsh Has Tested Positive For Covid-19 – Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia announced that Mitch Marsh has tested positive for Covid-19 but will play in the first match in line with CA protocols. Marsh will take precautionary measures such as using a separate dressing room and maintaining distance on the field during the game.

“Australia T20 skipper Mitch Marsh has tested positive for Covid-19 but will still play in tomorrow’s first T20 against the Windies in Hobart, in line with CA protocols. Marsh will use a separate dressing room during the match and stay distanced while on the field,” Cricket Australia released a statement.

Several members of the Australian team, including players like Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, and Moises Henriques, as well as head coach Andrew McDonald, contracted the virus during the Australian summer, but their roles within the team remained unaffected.

Young all-rounder Cameron Green, who tested positive before the second Test against the West Indies, adhered to precautionary measures such as maintaining a distance during the national anthems and celebrating from afar to minimize the risk of spreading the virus.

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Mitchell Marsh Likely To Lead Australia In T20 World Cup 2024

Mitchell Marsh has taken on the role of captain for the T20I team since Aaron Finch’s retirement. The all-rounder led the team against South Africa last year and will continue to do so in the forthcoming T20I matches against the West Indies and New Zealand.

These next six games will serve as Marsh’s trial period to potentially become the permanent T20 captain. Chief selector George Bailey stated that a decision on the full-time captaincy will be made following the conclusion of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand.

The all-rounder was honored with the prestigious Allan Border Medal by Cricket Australia at the awards ceremony on January 31. Marsh is poised to lead the team in the 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the Caribbean and the United States of America (USA).

The 32-year-old was instrumental in Australia’s victory at the T20 World Cup in 2021. He showcased his prowess with a remarkable innings of 77 not out off 50 deliveries during the final against New Zealand. His outstanding performance earned him Player of the Match.

Australia T20I squad vs West Indies: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Also read: Watch: Mitchell Marsh breaks down while thanking Pat Cummins after winning the Allan Border Medal