A couple of days back Australians, faced a mighty blow as Shaun Marsh got injured and ruled out. Even Maxwell’s fitness is a concern for Australian management. And to add to their miseries, Usman Khawaja suffered a hamstring injury while batting in the match against South Africa. His hamstring is strained and he will be not playing the remaining one or two games which Australia will face this season. He might even not get a chance to play ashes which is just after the World Cup. That means the services of Usman Khawaja have ended for Australia in this World Cup.
“He has been an integral part of our team and this is so pitying for us after Shaun Marsh and Usman Khawaja will be sorely missed”, said the Australian Skipper.
Khawaja who came at number 3 during the mammoth run chase of 326, just managed to play few deliveries before getting retired hurt and he came back again when they were seven down and just managed to add 18 more runs to the scoreboard before getting dismissed by Kagiso Rabada.
Australia has brought Matthew Wade, wicketkeeper batsmen to replace the injured one. And is now waiting for the official confirmation from ICC technical committee to approve his inclusion. Wade seems to be in fine touch in his first-class cricket. I hope, he continues the form if given the opportunity. Australia is also doubtful about the inclusion of Marcus Stoinis, who faced the side strain in the same game and Mitchel Marsh is in the talks now, if Stoinis is needed to be replaced.
Stoinis missed two games before this due to the same reasons but passed the fitness test for Bangladesh encounter. “It’s very sad and frustrating but we are at the business end of the tournament and all the teams have faced these problems during some of the other points of the tournament. You don’t like it but have to face it” added Langer Australia coach.
Australia will be facing England in Birmingham for Semi-final 2 and with the injuries to their best-nominated players for World Cup, England will surely like to tighten the ropes around the injured Australian side and will be eager to place their kits in the dressing rooms of Lord’s on Sunday, 14th July.
