Why is Mitchell Marsh not playing ENG vs AUS 2024 5th ODI?

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh is not playing the fifth and final ODI of the ongoing series against England at the County Ground in Bristol. Steven Smith, who has previously captained the side in 58 ODIs, is leading the visitors, who have made two other changes for the series decider.

This is the second time in the limited-over series that Marsh has missed after the T20I in Cardiff, with Travis Head captaining the side in his stead. Smith revealed that Marsh was feeling sore and thus decided to moss the ongoing ODI. Australia have also handed a debut to Cooper Connolly and brought in Aaron Hardie, with Alex Carey and Sean Abbott missing out.

The Men in Yellow had won the first two ODIs in Nottingham and Leeds, but England bounced back to level the series with convincing victories at Chester-le-Street and Lord's.

The fourth ODI at Lord's was a particularly powerful performance as Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone spearheaded a batting display that saw the hosts rack up 312 in 39 overs. Later, Matthew Potts took four wickets to skittle the tourists for 126.

Mitchell Marsh picked up a wicket and scored 28 runs in the fourth ODI

Mitchell Marsh. (Image Credits: Getty)

Meanwhile, Marsh had bowled in ODIs for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final in the fourth game of the ongoing series at Lord's. He managed to dismiss Will Jacks and finished with figures of 4-0-27-1.

With the bat, he gave Australia a promising start, building a 68-run opening stand with Head. However, Jofra Archer cleaned him up with an unplayable delivery and the Aussie captain had to walk back for 28.

His only half-century in the series came in Leeds when Australia scored 270 and defended it successfully to win by 68 runs. With all the injury and illness-related issues, this could be one of Australia's best series wins if they prevail in Bristol.

​