Hip-flexor injury rules Mitchell Marsh out of Pakistan ODIs

Mitchell Marsh, Australia all-rounder, has been ruled out of the first ODI against Pakistan in Lahore due to a hip flexor injury, Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday (March 29).

Scans showed that the injury was a low-grade hip flexor strain. The backroom staff will continue to manage the all-rounder, with a hope of him returning to play later in the series.

Earlier, the Australian captain Aaron Finch had revealed the all-rounder is unlikely for the ODI series against Pakistan after injuring himself at training. Marsh's absence will further deplete the visitors' bowling attack which is already without Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, and even lost Kane Richardson to a hamstring injury.

"He's injured his hip-flexor, we think, at training," Finch said in Lahore on Monday (March 28). "We are going to have to wait and see what that looks like but I don't think he'll be available for the series based on how he was feeling yesterday.

"He sustained that (injury) in a fielding drill. It was a high intensity, lateral movement drill and he bent down to pick it up one handed and went to throw and felt a twinge."

In Australia's side though, the absence of Marsh will likely lead to a chance for Cameron Green, the 22-year-old allrounder.

"He will probably bat in that middle-order," Finch said of Green. "We're seeing that he's a super talented cricketer. He's someone who has been quite consistent in his Test career so far. His impact with the bat and bat can't be underestimated. I'm really excited for Cam to get that opportunity."

Australia will also be without wicketkeeper batter Josh Inglis who this morning tested positive for COVID. Inglis will isolate for five days before returning to the squad. The remainder of the squad returned negative results following routine daily testing.

The squad is also without Steve Smith, who will miss the white-ball matches in Pakistan to nurture his elbow injury. His absence could mean a comeback for Marnus Labuschagne in the limited-overs fold.

"Marnus is someone who brings a lot to the team, particularly in these conditions with his leg breaks, and his batting speaks for itself," Finch said. "He's a wonderful player and continues to get better in ODI cricket and T20 cricket in particular. The fact he's bowling more and more is impressive.

"I don't know if anyone has seen the footage of our training yesterday, but Marnus bowled a lot and carried on like an idiot every time he got a wicket, which was quite good fun. He's someone who is so dynamic around the group, brilliant in the group. Just the whole package he brings is outstanding, and I'm really looking forward to seeing him play in these conditions again."

Finch said the injuries are a chance for other players to raise their hands and get noticed. "We've still got a really solid idea of what our squad and our 11 would look like if the World Cup was tomorrow. It's about making sure we are building that depth.

"It's a great opportunity for guys to put their hands up and really build a case for their long term spot in the squad. The excitement of having a younger side is huge as well. It's about guys taking their opportunities when they present themselves. There's going to be difficult times throughout the series but I'm really excited for these guys to get an opportunity."

The first ODI will be played in Lahore on Tuesday (March 29).