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Pat Cummins ruled out of Sri Lanka clash

Australian paceman Pat Cummins has been ruled out of Sunday’s Cricket World Cup clash with Sri Lanka.

Captain Michael Clarke confirmed on Saturday that Cummins would not be fit enough for the game.

Cummins suffered a side injury during Australia’s loss to New Zealand in Auckland and was forced to sit out the 275-run win over Afghanistan in Perth.

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The prognosis was more positive for Mitch Marsh, who trained well at the SCG on Saturday.

“He had some foot pain. He told me on the field it was his boot,” Clarke said.

“But as you’ve seen today, he’s batted, bowled and done his fielding.

“I asked him how he was feeling when I walked off from my first bat and he said he’s flying and ready to go.”

National selectors are yet to name a side for the all-important game.

“Selectors are going to wait until tomorrow before they pick the XI,” Clarke said.

“I’d imagine it’s to see what the wicket is like tomorrow.”

The winner of Sunday’s match will almost certainly finish second in Pool A, avoiding a likely quarter-final against South Africa and potential semi-final against New Zealand in Auckland.

There is a slight chance of showers in Sydney on Sunday, but Clarke suggested he wouldn’t be spending too much time on the weather bureau’s website.

“The forecast is pretty good, fingers crossed,” he said.

“I’ve got enough to worry about. I’m not going to worry about the weather.”

Australia’s second group fixture against Bangladesh in Brisbane was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain.

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