Australia’s top-order batsman Usman Khawaja was troubled by a problem to his left hamstring which led to him retiring hurt in the 10-run defeat to South Africa at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday, although the southpaw did not return to the field again in the closing stages of the match.
Cricket Australia (CA) revealed on Sunday that Khawaja’s injury is likely to preclude his involvement for the remainder of the tournament, while all-rounder Marcus Stoinis’ side strain leaves him doubtful for the semi-final against England.
Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh will, therefore, leave the Australia ‘A’ side currently touring England to join the 15-man World Cup squad.
A statement on CA’s website said: “Australia A arrived at Arundel for today’s four-day clash with Sussex short two players after wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade and allrounder Mitch Marsh were called up as a cover to Australia’s World Cup squad.
“The injury setbacks to Usman Khawaja (hamstring) and Marcus Stoinis (side) suffered in Australia’s dramatic loss to South Africa in Manchester has seen the selectors draft in Wade and Marsh.
“They left Brighton this morning for Birmingham, the destination of Australia’s blockbuster semi-final show with tournament hosts England on Thursday.
“Both Khawaja and Stoinis are set to undergo scans today before their future in the World Cup is determined, with both players still officially a part of Australia’s 15-man Cup squad at this stage.
“However, it appears Khawaja’s hamstring injury looks likely to rule the left-hander out for the rest of Australia’s campaign.”
Marsh will join the World Cup squad for a second time as cover for Stoinis, who missed Australia’s wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka last month because of side injury, before returning against Bangladesh.
