Australia will keep a close watch on skipper Mitchell Marsh’s fitness as they prepare to face Zimbabwe in a Group B clash of the T20 World Cup on Friday, aiming to edge closer to a Super Eight berth.

Marsh missed Australia’s emphatic 67-run win over Ireland due to internal testicular bleeding and is expected to require a significant period of rest, according to Cricket Australia. Steve Smith has been drafted into the squad as cover, though Australia barely felt Marsh’s absence in their dominant display.

Without any batter reaching a half-century, Australia still piled up a strong 180-plus total before Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa combined for eight wickets to seal a comfortable victory.

However, the five-time champions would welcome bigger contributions from the likes of Travis Head at the top and Glenn Maxwell in the middle overs — particularly if Marsh remains unavailable for the rest of the tournament.

Smith’s recent T20 form offers encouragement. The former captain, who last played a T20I in February 2024, was in superb touch in the Big Bash League, scoring 299 runs in six innings for the Sydney Sixers at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 167.

Zimbabwe, though, are no pushovers. Their clinical dismantling of Oman highlighted their ability to trouble stronger sides.

With a pace attack featuring Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans, Zimbabwe possess the firepower to test Australia’s powerful batting unit. Skipper Sikandar Raza adds variety with his off-spin and leg-spin, making him a key figure in both departments.

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Raza will also need support with the bat from Brian Bennett, Dion Myers and veteran Brendan Taylor, who is managing a niggle from the previous match. Should Taylor miss out, Ryan Burl could slot in, offering both middle-order solidity and an additional spin option.

Given Australia’s occasional struggles against quality spin, Zimbabwe might also consider unleashing experienced leg-spinner Graeme Cremer to exploit any turn on offer.

With qualification spots at stake, Australia will be wary of a Zimbabwe side capable of springing a surprise.

Squads (from):

Australia:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Steve Smith (cover for Mitchell Marsh).

Zimbabwe:
Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.

Match starts at 11 am IST.