Mitch Marsh out of Australia's opener; Head to captain, Smith flying to Colombo

Travis Head attends the coin toss in Colombo on Wednesday.
Travis Head attends the coin toss in Colombo on Wednesday.ROBERT CIANFLONE / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh ⁠will miss the opening game of ‌their Twenty20 World Cup campaign ‌against Ireland on ‌Wednesday after sustaining a ‌groin injury, Cricket Australia (CA) ‌said.

Batsman Steve Smith will now join the ‌squad in Sri ⁠Lanka ‌as cover, while Travis Head ​is set to captain the side ​at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium.

Marsh sustained a ⁠direct ​blow to the groin during training earlier this week and is ‌experiencing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement, the board added.

"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," CA said in a statement.

Follow live scores of Australia's opening T20 game here.