Picture Credit: Cricket Australia
Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is set to miss the four-match Test series in India after opting for surgery for his troublesome left ankle. The 31-year-old is likely to miss three months after undergoing a keyhole surgery to remove loose bone fragments and repair cartilage.
The news was confirmed by George Bailey, Australian chair of selectors, who stated that Cricket Australia expects him to be fit for the ODI series against India in March ahead of the World Cup. Marsh wasn’t included in Australia’s home Test squad against the West Indies. But as part of Australia’s most recent tour of Asia, a two-match series against Sri Lanka in July.
Cricket Australia released a statement addressing Marsh’s injury where the Board hopes for Marsh’s return during the ODI series against India in March. The statement said, “Mitchell is an important member of our squads, and we will support him through his recovery period, and we are hopeful he will be available for Australian selection for the ODI series against India in March.”
“In undertaking the surgery now, it gives Mitchell the best chance to recover and resume his all-rounder skillset, which is an important part of our plans for the upcoming year and beyond.” Marsh has been dealing with left ankle issues and hurt through the T20 World Cup campaign on home soil.
Marsh has not played Test cricket since 2019 and was hoping to make a big return with the red ball against India. But now without the all-rounder, Aussies will be short-handed in a final push for the World Test Championship for the 2021-23 cycle.
Mitchell Marsh also joins the injury list with fellow all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who suffered a freak injury in mid-November. Maxwell was at his friend’s 50th birthday when he accidentally injured his leg and fractured his left fibula. The 34-year-old underwent surgery after he and the person celebrating the milestone were running around in a backyard.
