
3 replacements of Mitch Marsh in Champions Trophy 2025 squad. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
In what is a crushing setback for Australia, all-rounder, Mitchell Marsh, has been ruled out from the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy due to a back injury. Marsh has found himself at the receiving end of a number of injuries over the years. The most-recent injury has come as a huge blow for him, who was all set to feature in his second Champions Trophy before being out of the picture in what would surely be disappointing news for him.
The selection panel of Australia are all set to announce a replacement for the 33-year-old in the days to come. The cricketing juggernaut would be expected to replace the established all-rounder with another of his kind. Australia, having previously won the marquee ODI tournament on two occasions, would be expected to take prompt action following the unfortunate exclusion of Marsh, considering the Champions Trophy draws closer by the day.
Here are 3 potential replacements for Marsh in Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad
3. Beau Webster
Beau Webster (Source: Cricket Australia)
Interestingly, pace-bowling all-rounder, Beau Webster, was who replaced Marsh in the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The towering 6’4″ 31-year-old displayed ice-cold composure in his debut international game and performed quite well too. On a deck which proved quite hard to bat on, he was Australia’s top-scorer in their first innings before guiding them to victory with a brisk 39-run knock.
He was quite a handful with the ball as well. Webster was consistent in landing the ball in channels which made it difficult for batters to score off him. Speaking of the white-ball format, he has been in the thick of things before and subsequent to his international debut. Webster has had quite a decent Big Bash League 2024-25 for Melbourne Stars, and could be one serious like-for-like alternative the selectors could turn to.
2. Cooper Connolly
Cooper Connolly (Source: Cricket Australia)
Cooper Connolly could serve as another potential substitute for Marsh. Unlike Webster, the batting all-rounder has already made his white-ball debut. However, he has only featured in a couple of ODIs up until now. He did not get to bat in the same number of T20Is he played. Connolly is currently a part of the Australia red-ball setup on the tour to Sri Lanka.
The 21-year-old youngster has played a total of 35 limited-overs games in the domestic circuit. In those matches, it has been observed that he has been played more as a bowler than a batter. As per the standards maintained, Australia have tended to be maintaining a balanced squad in ICC tournaments over the years. Connolly could very well make the squad as the dynamic all-rounder required in the side.
1. Ashton Agar
Ashton Agar (Source: Twitter/X)
It might have been quite some time since Ashton Agar represented Australia in ODIs. However, the amount of experience he holds as someone who has not always been a sure shot pick for the national team comes as a refreshing boost for the Australian group. Coming in lower down the order, there have been many occurrences where he has added a lot of utility with the bat in addition to the skilled off-spin he possesses in his armoury.
What makes Agar getting the call-up the most likely is his recent participation in the ongoing DP World International League T20, being played in the United Arab Emirates. He has been quite frugal with the ball during the games he has played for Sharjah Warriorz so far. With Australia playing their entire tournament in similar conditions in Pakistan, the Champions Trophy might just end up being a springboard for making his presence felt in the nation’s 50-over squad.