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Australia have been handed a massive blow ahead of the much-awaited ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 onwards. With the tournament less than a month away, Cricket Australia on Friday, January 31 confirmed that all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will miss the upcoming edition due to an injury.
Cricket Australia (CA) informed that Marsh has encountered recurring back injury, which has troubled him throughout the season, and will thus miss the ICC tournament. It is to be noted that Marsh was dropped Australia’s XI before Sydney Test of the BGT 2024-25 against India and featured in only one Big Bash League (BBL) game this month.
Mitchell Marsh ruled out of ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025; doubtful for IPL
"Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men's Champion's Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction," Cricket Australia said in a statement. "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,” the statement further read.
"Marsh will now undergo a period of further rest and rehabilitation as part of his return to play plan," it confirmed. Notably, CA is yet to announce his replacement as the teams have to submit their final squads by February 12 for the ICC event.
Speaking of Australia, the Pat Cummins-led side are placed in Group B alongside Afghanistan, South Africa and England. The side will commence their campaign on Saturday, February 22 when they take on England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, followed by a match each against South Africa (February 25), and Afghanistan (February 28).
Australia’s squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Pat Cummins (Captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.