BIG blow to Australia! All-rounder Mitch Marsh ruled out of Champions Trophy

Sydney: Australia have suffered a massive blow with news that all-rounder Mitch Marsh will miss the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to injury.

Marsh has been suffering a back problem and will be sidelined for Australia's Champions Trophy campaign that begins on February 16.

"Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men's Champion's Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction," Cricket Australia said via a statement.

"The National Selection Panel and Australian men's medical team ruled Marsh out of the tournament with the injury which has not responded sufficiently to rehabilitation.

"His lower back pain flared in recent weeks leading the NSP to make the longer term decision for Marsh to complete a more extended period of rehabilitation.

"Marsh will now undergo a period of further rest and rehabilitation as part of his return to play plan."

Australia selectors have until February 12 to finalise their squad and will be able to name a replacement player prior to this deadline.

"The NSP will meet to decide on a replacement for Marsh in due course," the statement continued.

"The deadline for the final squads for the ICC Men's Champion's Trophy is prior to February 12."

Australia preliminary squad: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short,

Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa (squad yet to be finalised).