Explained: Why Steve Smith Is Captaining Australia In Place Of Mitchell Marsh

Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh celebrate an England wicket in the fourth ODI at Lord's

Australia sprang a surprise at the toss for the fifth ODI against England at Bristol with Steve Smith stepping in to the captain the side in the absence of Mitchell Marsh.

Marsh's unavailability presented Smith the opportunity to captain his country in England for the first time in seven years. The last time he led Australia in the UK was all the way back in 2017, a Champions Trophy fixture at Edgbaston.

It is only the 12th time that Smith has skippered Australia since he was banned for a year in the aftermath of the 2018 sandpaper scandal.

Speaking at the toss, Smith explained why Marsh, the regular Australia ODI captain, was absent. "Mitch is a bit sore from last game, no good today," said Smith. "It's a big game, 2-2, hopefully we start well in a morning game, a few clouds around. Must-win games are what you play for."

Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first under gloomy Bristol skies. The tourists made three changes to the XI, with Marsh, Sean Abbott and Alex Carey dropping out for Matthew Short, Aaron Hardie and Cooper Connolly. Connolly, 21, makes his ODI debut, having played just four List A games in his professional career to date.

England, meanwhile, made the one change with Olly Stone coming into the side for Jofra Archer. The series is delicately poised after England responded to defeats in the opening two games of the series with back-to-back victories of their own.

Unfortunately, it is likely that the weather will prevent a result. Consistent rain is forecast for the late afternoon so while the game is likely to start on time, prospects of a full day's play are bleak.

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