Sun Sep 29 11:35:50 UTC 2024: ## Australia Captain Mitchell Marsh Ruled Out of Deciding ODI Against England

**Bristol, England:** Australia suffered a major blow ahead of the fifth and final One-Day International against England at the Bristol County Ground, with captain Mitchell Marsh ruled out due to soreness.

Marsh, who led Australia to two convincing wins at the start of the series, will miss the crucial encounter. Steve Smith will take over as captain for the match.

“Mitch is a bit sore from the last game, no good today,” Smith revealed during the toss. “Big game, 2-2; hopefully, we start well in a morning game with a few clouds around.”

The absence of Marsh, a powerful batsman who can maul pace bowling, is a significant setback for Australia, especially in a must-win game.

In addition to Marsh, Australia also made two other changes to their XI, with Alex Carey and Sean Abbott missing out. Matthew Short and Cooper Connolly, making his debut, have been included in the side.

England, meanwhile, also made one change, bringing in Olly Stone in place of Jofra Archer, who has been rested.

The series is tied at 2-2, making the fifth ODI a high-stakes affair. England won the toss and opted to bowl first in overcast conditions.

**Playing XI:**

**Australia:** Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

**England:** Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Harry Brook (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Olly Stone, Adil Rashid.

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