Australia's Mitchell Marsh ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025
Cricket
The all-rounder is suffering lower back pain and dysfunction
(Web Desk) – Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of upcoming ICC Champions Trophy ODI tournament in Pakistan and the UAE due to deterioration of a back complaint he battled during the home summer.
Marsh, who lost his place in Australia's Test line-up before the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign against India, has not played since a sole BBL appearance for Perth Scorchers earlier this month.
The Cricket Australia have refuted reports the 33-year-old is suffering from stress fractures in his back, but acknowledge the rehabilitation process Marsh has been undertaking in recent weeks only seems to have exacerbated the problem.
"Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men's Champion's Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction," CA said in a statement today.
"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.
"Marsh will now undergo a period of further rest and rehabilitation as part of his return to play plan.
"The NSP will meet to decide on a replacement for Marsh in due course.
"The deadline for the final squads for the ICC Men's Champion's Trophy is prior to Wednesday 12 February."