Stoinis fit, Handscomb in the XI
Photo - ICC
|| Desk Report ||
Australian head coach Justin Langer said that, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is fit to play against England and Peter Handscome will come into the XI as a replacement for Usman Khawaja.
The Australian squad has become like mini-hospital in this World Cup after four players got injured. Jhye Richardson was out of the Aussie squad because of injury. Stoinis got injured twice. Recently he has gone through side strain injury against South Africa. But he has recovered now.
"He looks good," said Langer after training.
"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," added Langer.
Khawaja and Shaun Marsh are also out of the World Cup for injury. Marsh got a broken forearm and Khawaja suffered a hamstring injury. Handscomb will come into the squad instead of injured Khawaja, who was initially a replacement of Shaun Marsh.
"I'll tell you the truth. Peter Handscomb will definitely play, 100 percent" said Langer.
Langer believes he deserves it and has the temperament to perform well in the biggest cricketing event.
"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."
