Burrowing marsupial initially waiting for start of fight (6)

I believe the answer is:

wombat

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'burrowing marsupial' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for wombat that I've seen before include "Marsupial of Oz" , "Australian resident" , "Australian animal like small bear" , "Tailless marsupial down under" , "Burrowing animal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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