World Cup: Mitch Marsh flies home from India for personal reasons

Marcus Stoinis has revealed what Mitch Marsh told teammates before he left India and Australia’s World Cup squad.

Mitch Marsh has told teammates he intends to return later in the World Cup after the star all-rounder flew home from India for personal reasons.

Australia will face England without both its biggest all-round threats on Saturday after Marsh left the squad on Wednesday, adding to the absence of Glenn Maxwell who was concussed in a freak golf cart accident.

A win against England would all but ensure Australia qualifies for the semi-finals of the tournament, but Marsh and Maxwell have been important contributors with bat and ball in Australia’s four consecutive wins.

Speaking from the Australian camp on Thursday, Marcus Stoinis said there was no timeline on Marsh’s return, but he had signalled his intent to fly back to India later in the tournament.

Mitchell Marsh has returned home. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“(Marsh has) flown home late last night. He’s got a family issue going on. And like we all know family is very important and the most important really,” Stoinis said.

“So he’s doing the right thing and he’s getting home and he’s seeing the people he needs to see and then I don’t think there’s a timeline on when he’s coming back but I’m sure he’ll do what he needs to do at home and then get back.

“He sent a message last night saying ‘I’ll be home for a little bit then I’m coming back to win this World Cup’ so that speaks to his mindset.”

A Cricket Australia statement did not name a replacement for Marsh in the squad, leaving 13 available players to choose from for the match in Gujarat.

“A timeline on his return to the squad is to be confirmed,” the statement read.

Marcus Stoinis is likely to return to the Australian side along with either Cameron Green or Alex Carey to replace Maxwell and Marsh.

Sean Abbott is the other reserve available for selection in the World Cup squad.