Marsh’s injury was described as “minor ankle soreness” and with the proximity of the T20 World Cup, where Marsh will be a key part of the side at No. 3, a cautious approach is being taken. He was used as the first-change bowler in the opening ODI where he took 1 for 22 before falling for 2 in the run chase.
Marsh’s absence may alter the balance of Australia’s side for the second match in Townsville, although Sean Abbott and Ashton Agar are both part of the squad if they want to retain the allrounder-heavy route which has seen Cameron Green at No. 8, but he may now get the chance higher up the order.
Smith described the pitch for the opening match as “pretty challenging” with spin and seam on offer but was pleased with his first outing of the season.
“The ball was seaming around a fair bit, there was a bit bounce and the spin was pretty hard to line up as well,” he said. “Some were going straight and some were taking off and bouncing so it wasn’t easy, but good to spend time out there and sure it will serve me well.”
Smith has been locked back in at No. 3 in the ODI side as Australia build towards next year’s World Cup and said it was “absolutely” where he preferred batting. “That’s where my record is best,” he added.
Rain hindered Australia’s optional training session on Tuesday but the forecast was set to improve for the match.