Adelaide [Australia], December 5: Ahead of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India in Adelaide, Australia captain Pat Cummins offered a reassuring update on all-rounder Mitchell Marsh’s fitness, stating that there is “no huge concern” regarding his condition.
Marsh’s fitness had been a topic of discussion leading into the second Test, with concerns about back stiffness that he has been managing since Australia’s ODI series against England in September. However, the all-rounder has been named in the playing XI for the Adelaide Test.
Cummins confirmed that Marsh, who has averaged 40 with the bat since his return to the Australian team during last year’s Ashes, will be ready to play, despite the ongoing stiffness.
“Not a huge concern. You probably need to speak to the physio, but it’s back stiffness. It’s kind of since the ODIs in England. I think he didn’t bowl in a couple of games over there and he’s desperately trying to work on that for the last few months. He will warm up tomorrow. Pretty confident that he’ll prioritize his overs for the games rather than using them up in the nets,” Cummins said at the pre-match press conference.
Marsh had previously struggled with the injury during India’s second innings in the Perth Test, where he wasn’t able to bowl at full capacity.
Earlier on Thursday, Australia announced their playing XI for the Adelaide Test, with pacer Scott Boland replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood. This will be Boland’s first Test appearance in 18 months, having last played during the 2023 Ashes series.
Australia Playing XI for the Second Test: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.