Nasir Jabbar
An Australian star suffered a bizarre and nasty injury that forced him to miss his side's opening game of the T20 World Cup.
Australia head to the T20 World Cup with a star-studded squad and plenty of momentum following their Ashes victory.
Captain Mitchell Marsh leads the team as his side are among the favourites to go all the way.
But Marsh was unavailable for Australia's first game of the tournament against Ireland.
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He missed Wednesday's Group B fixture after sustaining a gruesome injury in the nets prior to the match.
Marsh suffered 'testicular bleeding' after being struck in the groin area while receiving throw downs during a training session on Sunday.
The all-rounder subsequently missed the game against Ireland as Cricket Australia confirmed the star player's injury.
The statement read: "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."
Steve Smith, who captained Australia to a 4-1 victory over England in the Ashes, has been called up as cover.
Without Marsh, however, Australia secured a comfortable 67-run victory over Ireland in Sri Lanka.
Travis Head, who starred with the bat in the Ashes, replaced the 34-year-old as Australia captain and joked about his teammate's unfortunate mishap.
Speaking at the toss, stand-in skipper Head said: "Unfortunately Mitchie Marsh has copped a blow at training a couple of days ago and no one has been willing to massage it out for him.
"He's the unfortunate one but the rest (of the side) is the same. It's nice to have a couple of boys back from the Pakistan series. Strong team and we're looking forward to going well."
Marsh was appointed Australia's T20 captain in April 2024.
He has scored 2,102 runs in 78 T20 internationals, boasting an average of 32.33. He has also taken 17 wickets.
If Marsh does not recover in time for Australia's next game against Zimbabwe on Friday, then Smith appears in line to take his spot in the XI.
Smith has 1,094 T20 runs to his name at an average of 24.86.
He hasn't played a match in the shortest format for Australia since February 2024.