COLOMBO: Captain Mitchell Marsh backed his Australia players to “get the job done” as they launch their T20 World Cup title charge against Ireland on Wednesday following a torrid build-up.

The 2021 champions were whitewashed 3-0 in Pakistan and are missing key players through injury, notably star pacemen Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

Australian selectors also controversially overlooked Steve Smith, who is in form and one of their best batters against spin.

In what are expected to be turning conditions at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Marsh’s message to his batsmen was a clear one.

“Look, I think we certainly want to be positive in the way we go about things,” Marsh told reporters on Tuesday’s eve of their clash with Ireland, who are ranked 11 in the world to Australia’s two.

“I think in these conditions, it’s just about being really clear on how you’re going to go about it and playing what’s in front of you.

“The word adaptability has been thrown around in our team meetings so far and just adapt to whatever situation is put in front of us and get the job done.”

Marsh said that fast bowler Nathan Ellis is available after injury, but big-hitting Tim David won’t make the Ireland game.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2026