Depleted Australia reach 182-6 as skipper Marsh ruled out of Ireland clash / Photo: Ishara S. KODIKARA - AFP
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Depleted Australia reach 182-6 as skipper Marsh ruled out of Ireland clash
A depleted Australia, rocked by the loss of their captain Mitchell Marsh to injury, eked out 182-6 against Ireland on Wednesday in their opening T20 World Cup match in Colombo.
Travis Head stood in as captain and elected to bat on winning the toss but made only six.
Josh Inglis was promoted to open in place of Marsh and made 37 off 17 balls, while Marcus Stoinis top scored with 45. Matt Renshaw made 37.
For Ireland, pace man Mark Adair was the pick of the bowlers with 2-44 from his four overs.
Marsh was ruled out earlier Wednesday after being struck in the groin during training.
Steve Smith will fly to Sri Lanka as standby in case opener Marsh is unable to take any part in the tournament.
"Mitchell Marsh will miss the opening match of the ICC men's T20 World Cup after sustaining a direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week," said Cricket Australia in a statement.
"He is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement.
"Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation.
"His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice."
It is the latest injury blow to hit the Australia squad after leading pace bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were forced out with injury.
The in-form Smith, Australia's best player against spin, was controversially omitted from the squad despite his blistering Big Bash League form this year as an opening batsman.
S.Iyer--MT
