ICC World Cup 2019: Matthew Wade, Mitchell Marsh Called In As Cover

Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh have called in as the cover for Usman Khawaja and Marcus Stoinis. Wade has been in fine form in the domestic circuit. Usman Khawaja suffered a hamstring injury whereas Marcus Stoinis was struggling with the side strain. Both Khawaja and Stoinis will undergo scans and their future in the tournament will be determined on the same.

In fact, Mitchell Marsh was called in as the cover for Marcus Stoinis when the latter had suffered an injury during the match against India. However, Stoinis had passed the fitness test before the Bangladesh clash.

Australia’s injury woes manifolds.

Both Khawaja and Stoinis are still part of Australia’s World Cup squad. However, Khawaja’s hamstring injury is not looking good as he is expected to be ruled out of the tournament.

Khawaja has thus far scored 315 runs at an average of 35.11 and strike rate of 88.27. The southpaw batsman has also scored two fifties in the World Cup and he was in fine form before the World Cup. On the other hand, Marcus Stoinis hasn’t had the best of the World Cup as he has scored 87 runs in the six innings at a mundane average of  17.40.

Meanwhile, Australia had suffered a big blow as Shaun Marsh was ruled out with the hand injury when he was hit on the wrist in the net session by Pat Cummins. Hence, Peter Handscomb was called in as the replacement for the southpaw batsman.

Australia was able to tick the right boxes in the league stage as they won seven out of the nine matches they have played. Aaron Finch has led his team with aplomb and the defending champions are a serious contender for the title.

Australia will play arch-rivals England in the second semifinal at Edgbaston, Birmingham on 11 July. The defending champions were stunned by South Africa in the last league match by 10 runs.