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

For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport

Steve Smith will now join the squad in Sri Lanka as cover, with fellow batsman Travis Head captaining the side at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium and Matthew Renshaw coming into the team.

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.