Handscomb’s World Cup debut
Peter Handscomb is set to be thrown straight in the deep end as he makes his World Cup debut in the semi-final against England on Thursday night.
The 27-year old comes into the side to replace the injured Usman Khawaja, who limped off in Saturday nights 10-run loss to South Africa.
Handscomb had a few starts in the most recent ODI series against Pakistan but his form earlier in the year against India both home and abroad put him on the brink of a World Cup birth.
Most recent ODI series:
| Opponent | Date | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 31 Mar 2019 | 8 |
| Pakistan | 29 Mar 2019 | 7 |
| Pakistan | 27 Mar 2019 | 47 |
| Pakistan | 24 Mar 2019 | DNB |
| Pakistan | 22 Mar 2019 | 30* |
Big Show or No Show
The World Cup form of Glenn Maxwell has been brought in to question with doubt over his spot in the semi-final. The 30-year old, who brings X factor to the team has averaged just 22.14 (including 2 not outs) so far this tournament, however it’s his shot selection that has frustrated fans of the green and gold.
Maxwell’s World Cup:
| Opponent | Date | Score |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 6 Jul 2019 | 12 |
| New Zealand | 29 Jun 2019 | 1 |
| England | 25 Jun 2019 | 12 |
| Bangladesh | 20 Jun 2019 | 32 |
| Sri Lanka | 15 Jun 2019 | 46* |
| Pakistan | 12 Jun 2019 | 20 |
| India | 9 Jun 2019 | 28 |
| West Indies | 6 Jun 2019 | 0 |
| Afghanistan | 1 Jun 2019 | 4* |
Steadfast Stoinis
Despite carrying two side injuries, all-rounded Marcus Stoinis is expected to be available to play in Thursday’s knock-out match.
Stoinis was put through a extensive fitness test on his right-side in the lead up, bowling for 30 minutes and batting for an hour in the nets.
Dubbed 'Adonis' by teammates, Marcus Stoinis could live up to his mythological billing if he's able to prove his fitness for Thursday's #CWC19 semi-final https://t.co/KH2LntfYPW pic.twitter.com/UIKEeBa2Um
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 9, 2019