ICC World Cup 2019: Justin Langer Confirms Peter Handscomb In Playing XI

Australia’s head coach Justin Langer has confirmed that Peter Handscomb who replaced injured Shaun Marsh in the squad will be part of the playing XI in the second semifinal against arch-rivals England. Furthermore, Justin Langer stated that Marcus Stoinis will be part of the final XI in the crucial match.

In fact, there were doubts raised over Stoinis participation as the all-rounder had aggravated his side strain in the previous match against South Africa. The all-rounder had batted and bowled in the practice session in Australia’s nets session at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Marcus Stoinis will also play.

Meanwhile, Peter Handscomb will make his World Cup debut in place of injured Usman Khawaja, who is ruled out because of hamstring injury.

“I’ll tell you the truth. Peter Handscomb will definitely play, 100 percent” said Langer on Tuesday (July 9). “He deserves it. He was stiff not to be on this tour, he was so unlucky not to be in the initial squad after what he’d done to get us to that point. He’s in good form, he played well for Australia A, gives us that nice balance in the middle order. He’s got good temperament, he plays spin well, he’s on top of his game, so Pete will definitely play.”

Peter Handscomb is in fine form in the recent past. The right-handed batsman had scored 149 at an average of 74.50 in the recent Australia A One-Day matches against England A. Furthermore, Handscomb had played in all the 13 matches before the World Cup. However, he was replaced by former skipper Steven Smith.

On the other hand, Justin Langer also confirmed the participation of Marcus Stoinis.

“Stoinis looks good,” added Langer. “It was a very good nets session actually, there was a bit of heat in there again and it was very competitive and that always brings the best out in Stoins, so he did a good job today and he’s fit to go.”

Australia has peaked at the right time and they are a force to reckon with in the big matches like the semifinal. The defending champions will play their nemesis England at Edgbaston, Birmingham on 11th July.