Published By: Sanchari Das

THESE Allrounders Could Replace Injured Mitchell Marsh in Australia's Champions Trophy Lineup!

Replacing a player of Mitchell Marsh's calibre is no easy task, but Australia has plenty of options.

The current World Champion Australia suffered a major blow ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out due to a back injury. The dynamic all-rounder was expected to play a crucial role in Australia's campaign, but his untimely injury leaves the team scrambling for a suitable replacement.

Cricket Australia is now faced with a critical decision—who will step up in his absence? The selection committee will likely opt for an all-rounder to maintain team balance. With the tournament fast approaching, Australia must act swiftly to fill the void left by Marsh. Here are options for who can replace Marsh.

Ashton Agar: The spin option

Ashton Agar might not have featured prominently in Australia's recent ODI plans, but his experience and skill set cannot be overlooked. The left-arm spinner has been part of Australia's setup for years and has shown his ability to chip in with valuable runs lower down the order with 322 runs and taking 21 wickets. Currently playing in the ILT20 in the UAE, Agar has been in good form, proving to be an economical bowler on slow pitches. Given that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, his ability to contain runs and pick up key wickets could be a major asset for Australia.

Beau Webster: A like-for-like alternative

Standing tall at 6'4", Beau Webster was the man who replaced Marsh in the Sydney Test against India. The pace-bowling all-rounder showcased his ability with both bat and ball, proving to be a steady performer under pressure. He delivered for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash, making valuable contributions in crunch moments. His ability to provide breakthroughs and score crucial lower-order runs makes him a natural fit to replace Marsh. Given his recent experience in international cricket, he could be a like-for-like alternative who brings balance to the squad.

Cooper Connolly: A Rising Star

One of the strongest contenders is Cooper Connolly. The left-handed all-rounder impressed in the Big Bash League (BBL), delivering consistent performances with both bat and ball. He amassed 351 runs at an average of 50.14, complementing his batting with handy left-arm spin. Connolly's adaptability and ability to provide breakthroughs in the middle overs make him an attractive option for subcontinent conditions. Already part of Australia's red-ball squad, he has the temperament to handle pressure at the international level. His versatility could give him the edge in securing a Champions Trophy berth.

Mitchell Owen: A Big Bash Sensation

Mitchell Owen made headlines with a stunning century in the BBL final, leading the Hobart Hurricanes to victory. His powerful batting saw him rack up 452 runs at a striking rate of 203.60, making him one of the tournament's standout performers. However, Owen's numbers in List A cricket are underwhelming, with only 129 runs at an average of 11.72. Despite this, his explosive hitting ability and recent form might tempt selectors to take a chance on him. With Jake Fraser-McGurk struggling for consistency, Owen's recent success in T20 cricket could earn him a surprise call-up.

Tim David: The finishing touch

Tim David has built a reputation as a match-winning finisher in T20 leagues worldwide. His contributions in the BBL 2024-25 were crucial in the Hobart Hurricanes' title run, scoring 254 runs at a strike rate of 177.62. Though his ODI experience is limited, David's List A record is impressive—he has scored 790 runs at an average of 60.76 with a superb strike rate of 120.06. In addition to his explosive batting, he can offer part-time off-spin, which could be valuable in Pakistan's spin-friendly conditions. David is a strong candidate if Australia wants a game-changer in the lower middle order.