Test cricket LIVE: Starc strikes early in Galle; Litchfield removed for 45 as Australia shine at MCG

Mitchell Marsh is out of Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign and in severe doubt for the Indian Premier League that follows due to back problems that have not responded to Cricket Australia’s chosen course of rehabilitation.
Back trouble followed Marsh around the home summer after he pulled up sore during the white ball tour of England that preceded it, and lost his place in the Test team to Beau Webster for the final Test at the SCG.
Mitch Marsh.Credit: Getty Images
He has since undergone rehab with a view to being fit for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE but has now been ruled out after his condition did not improve.
CA have denied that Marsh has a stress fracture, instead pointing to a combination of problems including arthritis. Doctors have now prescribed an extended period of rest for Marsh, leaving him unlikely to be able to play in the IPL for Lucknow, coached by Justin Langer, as he seeks to be fit in time for next summer.
“Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champion’s Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction,” a CA spokesperson said. “The National Selection Panel and Australian men’s medical team ruled Marsh out of the tournament with the injury which has not responded sufficiently to rehabilitation.
“His lower back pain flared in recent weeks leading the NSP to make the longer-term decision for Marsh to complete a more extended period of rehabilitation. Marsh will now undergo a period of further rest and rehabilitation as part of his return to play plan. The NSP will meet to decide on a replacement for Marsh in due course.”
ODI captain Pat Cummins is also in doubt for the Champions Trophy due to an ankle problem he managed during the India series.
Marsh has been Cummins’ white ball deputy in recent times, and led the Twenty20 side in an unsuccessful World Cup campaign in the Caribbean last year.
Steve Smith, Travis Head and Josh Inglis are the other options to captain the white ball team in Pakistan.
Mitch Marsh and Pat Cummins at a training session last summer.Credit: Getty Images