Australia v Ireland: T20 World Cup - live

Breaking news: Australia captain Mitch Marsh ruled out

The news has just landed that Aussie captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of this opening match against Ireland having suffered a blow to the groin during training earlier this week. Apologies if you are just dipping into your morning muesli or evening meal but Marsh is suffering with “testicular bleeding.” Poor chap.

“He [Marsh] is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement,” say Cricket Australia in their statement. “Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice. Standby player Steve Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required.”

So Steve Smith is called up to join the squad, we’ll have more news at the toss shortly. Australia only have 12 fit players to pick their starting XI from! Travis Head will captain today’s match in Marsh’s absence. Steve Smith is likely hot footing it to an airport with a smile on his face (whilst showing requisite concern for Marsh’s injured gonads of course…)

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Updated at 04.03 EST

Preamble

James Wallace

All good things come to those who wait? Australia finally get their T20 World Cup campaign underway in Colombo today. The Aussies are the last side to make their tournament bow and will come up against an Ireland side they don’t really have much experience of playing – the two sides have only met twice in T20Is and just once in all international cricket since 2016.

Ireland will be looking to put on a strong showing after a rather disappointing first match against Sri Lanka where they squandered plenty of opportunities to get something out of the game – dropping a host of chances and letting the match slip with bat and ball when they had the chance toput the hosts under real pressure.

Australia will be glad of the delayed start to their tournament as their squad has at times resembled a field hospital with green and gold curtains. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are completely absent, Tim David is expected to miss at least this first game as he recovers from a hamstring injury whilst Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis have struggled with niggles recently too.

We’ll find out the teams and the result of the toss at 8pm AEDT/9am GMT with the match starting half an hour after that. Welcome along and please do get in touch if you are tuning in.

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Updated at 03.48 EST

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