T20 World Cup 2024: Mitchell Marsh likely to replace Pat Cummins as Australia captain

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald hinted that Mitchell Marsh can lead the national team in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is slated to begin on June 1. In Pat Cummins' absence, Marsh has led the team in white-ball cricket and has done a commendable job, for which, he has the backing of the team management to take up the role ahead of the marquee tournament.

Speaking on the matter, McDonald stated that it's only a matter of time before the Cricket Australia officials finalize the new development. He added that Marsh ticked off the areas and the team management was happy and comfortable with his captaincy during the South Africa last year and New Zealand tour in 2024.

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"I think all roads will lead to Mitch, so just got to get that ticked off in certain areas. We’re happy and comfortable with the way he’s been able to operate with that T20 team. We think he’s the leader for the World Cup, and I think that will just be a matter of due course,” McDonald was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Meanwhile, in both Marsh and Cummins’ absence, stumper-batter Matthew Wade led the team. He was in the scheme of things for becoming the next Australian T20I captain but the team management showed their faith in Marsh, who has been exceptional in all three departments in the last couple of years. He also played a vital role in helping Australia win the ODI World Cup in 2023 and helping them retain the Ashes in England and courtesy of the same, the all-rounder was awarded with the Allann Border Medal earlier in the year.

On the other hand, Australia will begin their T20 World Cup campaign on June 6 against Oman in Barbados. They would play England on June 9 before moving to Namibia and Scotland on June 12 and 16, respectively. However, ahead of the tournament, Australia will also play a couple of friendly games to get adjusted to the conditions.