T20 World Cup: Australia’s Mitchell Marsh could return for key clash against Sri Lanka

The beleaguered Australian team that finds itself in the midst of injury setbacks and poor form could finally have something going its way in the T20 World Cup.

In what is welcome news, captain Mitchell Marsh could feature in its crucial Group-B clash against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday (February 16, 2026).

The opening batter, who was supposed to participate in a training session on Sunday, had suffered internal bleeding following a blow to the groin ahead of the match against Ireland. “I think Mitch is confident. 

Obviously, he has been in a bit of pain over the last week or so. A lot of those questions will be answered through training,” all-rounder Marcus Stoinis told the media on the eve of the encounter.

Stoinis confirmed that he will be fit to play against the co-host after copping a hit to his hands while in his follow-through during the game against Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka fielding coach R. Sridhar threw his weight behind young leggie Dushan Hemantha, who had an expensive outing against Oman after being drafted in as an injury replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga.

“It is not easy to fill the shoes of Hasaranga. He commands respect from some of the best batters in the world. I think he (Hemantha) has responded well. The advantage for him is that not many have seen him or played him on the international circuit. He may bamboozle a few of the Aussie batters with his variations,” Sridhar said.

Source: The Hindu 
--Agencies