MITCHELL JOHNSON: Steve Smith may not be walk into Australia T20 World Cup squad after Mitchell Marsh injury

Australia’s opening T20 World Cup win over Ireland was solid, professional and composed, but it didn’t come without concern.

The biggest talking point wasn’t the result. It was the fitness of captain Mitchell Marsh.

Marsh’s injury scare has added another layer of uncertainty to a campaign that was already carrying baggage, a recent series loss to Pakistan, multiple injuries to frontline bowlers, and a lot of public pressure surrounding squad selection.

With Marsh now be in doubt for the Zimbabwe clash in just a day’s time, adaptability becomes the theme.

And that’s elite sport.

At this level, nothing runs smoothly. You plan for disruption. You expect it. Professional teams aren’t judged on how they perform when everything is perfect, they’re judged on how they adjust when it isn’t.

Australia adjusted well.

Yes, Ireland isn’t considered one of the heavyweights of this tournament but T20 cricket has repeatedly shown that reputations mean very little.

Look at how Nepal pushed England and South Africa and Afghanistan going to a double super over. This format squeezes margins. One spell, one over, one dropped catch, and the game swings the other way.

Australia understood that.

Coming into the match with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins injured, there were genuine questions around their bowling depth. There were also concerns around Nathan Ellis, who had fitness issues leading into the game, but stood up for the Aussie taking 4.-12

That’s pressure before a ball is even bowled.

The batting effort on a tricky surface was disciplined. It wasn’t flashy, and it didn’t need to be. They recognised the conditions early, worked the pitch out, and posted a competitive total rather than chasing something unrealistic. That’s tournament cricket. It’s about reading the situation.

But what impressed me most was the bowling.

Ellis, in particular, deserves credit. When you’re carrying a niggle, there’s always a small doubt in the back of your mind. As a fast bowler, you know the feeling, the tight hamstring, the sore side, the ankle that isn’t quite right.

In a World Cup, the intensity spikes. The fear isn’t just about pain. It’s about letting your team down.

Once you pass that fitness test and get the green light the mindset has to flip. No hesitation. No second-guessing. You commit fully.

Ellis did exactly that. He blocked out the noise, trusted his preparation and executed his skills. That’s maturity.

There’s also been plenty of discussion about Steve Smith and whether he belongs in a T20 squad. He’s been flown in as cover for Marsh, which tells you selectors were preparing for contingencies. That’s smart management, not panic.

Smith spent yesterday playing golf with Cam Smith before getting the emergency call-up.

Australia have been here before. Tournament cricket is rarely smooth. There are injuries. There are selection debates. There are critics waiting for a stumble. Historically, though, Australian World Cup sides have a knack for switching on when it matters.

This game showed that focus.

They didn’t get distracted by the noise. They didn’t underestimate Ireland. They didn’t use injuries as excuses. They turned up, did the job, and banked two points.

The Marsh situation is one to watch. If he’s unavailable against Zimbabwe, does Smith come in, or is the mantra you can’t change a winning team? There’s no sympathy in tournaments like this, just opportunity.

And that’s the key.

World Cups are about squads, not individuals. Australia will back whoever walks in next. They always do.

Game one won’t define the campaign. But with everything swirling around this group, it was a composed start and it will give them confidence.

In T20 cricket, momentum can disappear quickly.

Australia need to make sure it doesn’t.