ESPNcricinfo staff 2 Minute Read

Mitchell Marsh plays off the front foot Getty Images

Doctors were concerned that Mitchell Marsh may had suffered a ruptured testicle when he was struck in the box while preparing for the return of the Sheffield Shield.

Marsh underwent surgery, after the blow he took while getting throw downs in the nets, which revealed the injury wasn't as serious as feared and he was suffering from severe bleeding. He was ruled out of the match against New South Wales, but is set to return to action against South Australia at the WACA on Sunday.

"I basically got hit in the box by one of our coaches on the flicker [used for throw downs]," Marsh said. "Usually, when you get hit in the box, it lasts for a couple of minutes and goes away. But after half-an-hour, I was in the exact same pain.

"I got taken to hospital to double check. I had a scan where they thought I potentially ruptured one of my testicles. But once they got in there, it was just basically severe bleeding. It was best-case scenario. It was pretty sore for a few days. They're still both working hopefully so it's good."

Marsh is still experiencing some pain but said he was confident heading into the next Sheffield Shield round. "Once you get out in the middle and your competitive juices are flowing, I won't be thinking about this at all."

It has been a challenging season for Marsh who has lost his place in both the Test team - for which he was vice-captain - and the ODI side. He needs a very strong finish to the Shield campaign to keep his name in the frame for the World Cup and Ashes, but both now appear a long shot for him.