COLOMBO: Australia brushed aside injury concerns to register a convincing 67-run victory over Ireland in their opening match of the T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday.
Asked to bat first after stand-in skipper Travis Head won the toss, Australia posted 182-6. Josh Inglis, promoted to open in place of injured Mitchell Marsh, struck a quick 37 off 17 balls, while Marcus Stoinis top-scored with 45. Matt Renshaw added 37 to steady the innings.
In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 115 in 16.5 overs. Nathan Ellis delivered a match-winning spell of 4-12, while leg-spinner Adam Zampa claimed 4-23. Ireland slipped to 27-4 early on and never recovered despite a 46-run stand between Lorcan Tucker and George Dockrell. Dockrell made 41 before being stumped off Zampa.
Ellis said the absence of senior pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood was a setback but the team responded well. “Glad we started the tournament on a positive note,” he said.
Australia were already without Cummins and Hazlewood due to injuries, and suffered another blow when captain Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of the opener after sustaining a groin injury during training. Cricket Australia confirmed he is undergoing treatment and his return will depend on medical advice.
Steve Smith has been called up as cover and is expected to join the squad in Sri Lanka if required.