Australia's prominent all-rounder, Mitchell Marsh, has been excluded from the forthcoming Champions Trophy due to a chronic back injury, raising concerns about his availability for the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Lucknow Super Giants. Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that Marsh, who has faced ongoing fitness challenges this season, will enter an extended rehabilitation phase to address "persistent lower back pain and dysfunction."

"Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy due to ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction," stated CA.

"The National Selection Panel and the Australian men's medical team have determined that Marsh will not participate in the tournament, as his injury has not sufficiently responded to rehabilitation efforts. His lower back pain has intensified in recent weeks, prompting the NSP to opt for a longer-term rehabilitation strategy for Marsh.

"Marsh will now engage in a further period of rest and rehabilitation as part of his return-to-play protocol. The NSP will convene to select a replacement for Marsh in due course."

As Australia's T20I captain and a frequent substitute for Pat Cummins in ODIs, Marsh has had a challenging season leading up to his injury. He managed only 73 runs in seven innings during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and had a limited impact with the ball. Consequently, he was omitted from the final Test against India in Sydney, allowing Beau Webster to take his place.

After participating in a single Big Bash League (BBL) match on January 7, Marsh chose to withdraw from the remainder of the tournament to concentrate on his mental and physical recovery in preparation for the Champions Trophy. However, his back issues continued, resulting in his eventual withdrawal.

Who will replace Marsh?

With Marsh out, Australia will need to rethink their top-order plans. Jake Fraser-McGurk, known for his aggressive stroke play, is a potential replacement despite his inconsistent form, according to ESPNCricinfo. He struggled against Pakistan earlier in the season and had a lean BBL campaign before a strong finish.

The squad already has batting depth, including backup wicketkeeper Alex Carey, but selectors may consider an all-rounder to fill Marsh's role. Will Sutherland, who played ODIs last year, Webster, or spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly could be among the options.

Australia's leadership group is also in flux, with Cummins nursing an ankle injury sustained during the India Tests. If he is ruled out, Steven Smith, Travis Head, or Josh Inglis could step in as ODI captain. Champions Trophy squads can be freely amended until February 11, after which changes require ICC technical committee approval. Australia will play two ODIs in Sri Lanka on February 12 and 14 as part of their preparations for the tournament.

Read Also: Virat Kohli's Ranji Comeback Cut Short: Off-Stump Sent Flying by Himanshu Sangwan

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