Australian coach gives update on Mitchell Marsh ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

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Mitchell Marsh is set to lead Australia in their opening fixture of the T20 World Cup 2024 against Oman on Thursday, June 6. 

However, Marsh will play solely as a specialist batter due to a right hamstring injury sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Marsh's injury, which occurred after playing just four IPL games, led to his return to Australia in late April for rehabilitation. This week, he participated in warm-up matches against Namibia and West Indies, with Matthew Wade assuming leadership duties during his limited fielding stints.

Despite Australia's 35-run defeat to the West Indies on May 31, head coach Andrew McDonald expressed satisfaction with Marsh's progress. 

McDonald noted that Marsh fielded more overs than in the previous game against Namibia, showing improved mobility and confidence.

"For Mitch, was about ticking off where his body was at. He fielded more overs tonight, he was able to move more freely, so he's building a little bit of confidence there. It looks as though he's all set for the first game," McDonald said.

"The second part is just when the bowling comes back online... it won't be the first game," he added.

The Australian coach emphasized the team's preparation strategy, highlighting the importance of bringing the squad together after the IPL. 

"It was by design, in terms of when we were getting people back after the IPL; we were well aware we weren't going to get the squad together until the first of next month. We've got some things in place where we'll bring the group together, we'll work through our plans leading into Oman and there's a bit of space between that game and England," he said.

McDonald is confident in the team's familiarity and cohesion. 

"We feel as though we have plenty of time to bring that group together. It's a familiar group, they've played a lot together. If they hadn't played a lot together then the prep might have looked different. We feel comfortable though as they know how to play with each other. It will just be finalising the XIs for the games, and the balances that we want. We've got plenty of options," he concluded.