Marsh expected to be fit for T20 World Cup despite ‘slower’ progress

Mitchell Marsh is on track to be fit in time for Australia’s first game in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 on 5 June against Oman despite his being a little behind on his recovery timeline.

Marsh sustained a hamstring injury during his stint with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League and had to fly back home for rehabilitation after pulling out of the tournament.

ALSO READ: Marsh set to miss the remainder of IPL due to injury

All the Australian World Cup squad members who are not a part of the IPL have started their preparations in a training camp at the National Cricket Centre to get in the groove for the T20 World Cup and Marsh was seen hitting the nets with the bat.

Coach Andrew McDonald was pleased to see the Aussie T20I skipper have a hit with the bat but noted he's a couple of weeks away from bowling.

"He's progressing well. Probably a little slower than expected," McDonald said. "But we've got plenty of time now that he has been ruled out the IPL.

"(Our) first game is just short of a month away now. So ample time for him to get ready.

"You probably won't see him bowl in the next couple of weeks here. It'll probably happen the week before we leave. And then he'll be able to ramp that up when we're over there.

"We'll be able to cherry-pick the moments during the tournament where he'll be useful with the ball, (and) we've got some all-round depth in the squad, which gives us good coverage anyway."

ALSO READ: Australia reveal squad for T20 World Cup

Although Marsh is expected to be fit for the T20 World Cup and McDonald emphasising he would not be rested, Australia have no shortage of captaincy options should the need arise.

World Test Championship and World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins is a part of the T20 World Cup squad as is Matthew Wade, who has captained Australia on several occasions leading into the tournament. Nathan Ellis, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head and Adam Zampa all add to the leadership options having captained their respective Big Bash teams.

"We've got ample depth in the leadership space there with Matthew Wade, who's led before when Mitch hasn't been available. And obviously, Pat Cummins has some leadership qualities," McDonald added.

Australia are placed in Group B of the T20 World Cup alongside arch-rivals England, Namibia, Oman and Scotland.

Australia’s T20 World Cup schedule

June 6: v Oman, Barbados

June 9: v England, Barbados

June 12: v Namibia, Antigua

June 16: v Scotland, St Lucia