Australian T20 star and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will be leaving his squad in Pakistan mid-series to continue his recovery from a low-grade hip flexor injury.
According to a statement issued by Cricket Australia (CA), Marsh will be released from the squad following an assessment that he would not be available for selection in the remaining three matches of the tour in Pakistan and will be flying to India to join his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals (DC).
“Marsh will travel to India to link with the Delhi Capitals squad where former Australian and current New South Wales physiotherapist Pat Farhart will manage his recovery following an isolation period,” the CA statement read.
CA further said that the Australian team’s medical staff deemed it the most effective way for Marsh to recover as quickly as possible without having to interrupt his rehabilitation.
Commenting on leaving the tour mid-way, Marsh said he was dissapointed on the development and will now work on his recovery.
“Being able to focus on my recovery without the travel and isolation break is the best approach. I am disappointed to miss the Pakistan series but look forward to re-joining the Australian squad for our next tour,” Marsh expressed.
Earlier after winning the three-match Test series 1-0, the touring side won the first of the three ODI against the home side by 88 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday (March 29). The two sides will now meet in the second affair at the same venue on Thursday (March 31).
It was the blistering century of Australia opener Travis Head (101) which played a crucial role in handing the visiting side a win the first game of the series as he starred both with the bat and the ball.
Apart from Head, Ben McDermott played a 70-ball 55 run knock to help Australia put up a challenging 314-run target befor the Green Brigade. In return, the home side were bundled out for 225 runs in 45.2 overs, thanks to Adam Zampa’s foufer (4/38), Mitchell Swepson (2/53) and Travis Head (2/35).