Surgery for Marsh after hit in the groin

MITCH Marsh’s horror summer has continued, with the Australian all-rounder forced to have surgery after being struck in the groin at training. Marsh copped the hit while batting on Tuesday, and underwent a “minor surgical procedure” yesterday.

The 27-year-old has been ruled out of WA’s Sheffield Shield clash with NSW in Sydney, starting on Saturday.

It remains unclear whether he will be able to return for the March 3-6 shield clash with South Australia at the WACA Ground in Perth.

“Mitch’s recovery will be monitored closely over the coming week, before a decision can be made around his availability for the Round 8 Sheffield Shield match,” WA’s team physiotherapist Nick Jones said yesterday.

Marsh was on top of the world last summer after a series of breakout performances on the international stage.

But the WA skipper has fallen out of the Australian side in all three formats this summer, and faces a battle to win back his spot in time for the ODI World Cup and the Ashes later this year.

Marsh was hopeful that a strong end to the shield season would enhance his hopes of an international recall, but his injury setback is a blow.

Marcus Stoinis recently overtook Marsh as Australia’s preferred Test all-rounder.

Marsh said he saw his axing coming, but he has vowed to win back his spot in the Australian sides.