Shaun Marsh has been ruled out of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, while Glenn Maxwell is racing the clock to be passed fit ahead of the knockout stages as the duo were both injured at training on Thursday.
Marsh, who has fractured his arm after copping a short ball from Pat Cummins during a firey training session, has been confirmed to need surgery on the injury and will take no further place in the Cricket World Cup, and likely, The Ashes to follow, although recovery and return to play time is not yet known for the much-maligned veteran.
Marsh will be replaced in the squad with immediate effect by batsmen Peter Handscomb, who also provides Australia some security with the gloves for the first time this series, should Alex Carey be injured or fall ill.
The 35-year-old has only taken part in two games so far at the World Cup.
Maxwell, on the other hand, was also hit in the forearm as Mitchell Starc got a short ball through, however, the exciting all-rounder has been cleared of any serious damage.
The Australian camp are hopeful Maxwell, who hasn’t missed a game of the World Cup campaign to date and has been crucial both with the bat in the middle order and with the ball during the middle overs, will be fit to play on Saturday against South Africa in Australia’s final group stage game.
With the finals starting on Tuesday, and Australia likely to play in the first vs fourth fixture should they beat South Africa, it will mean Maxwell has just three further days to be passed as fit should he fail to play in the South Africa game.
Justin Langer said it was awful news for the side.
“This is obviously shattering news for Shaun and the squad,” said coach Justin Langer.
“Throughout this tournament, his spirit, professionalism and the way he has competed has been typically outstanding.”
“We are right behind Shaun in his recovery and rehabilitation.
“Glenn Maxwell also underwent scans after he was struck on his right forearm in the nets.
“The scans have cleared Glenn of any serious damage and we’ll continue to monitor him over the coming days. We are hopeful he will be fit to perform for us on Saturday against South Africa.”
Handscomb, who was labelled unlucky to miss the World Cup squad in the first place, has scored 149 runs in his three innings playing for Australia A in England, and has looked in good form ahead of his call into the World Cup squad.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
Handscomb in... he can be better than maxi
Squirellgrip
Roar Rookie
Agree, he is a lunatic.
Squirellgrip
Roar Rookie
Right on Harvey. Everyone here rabbiting on about Marsh, Hanscombe et al. The elephant in the room is the liability they are carrying with Maxwell. Another failure against SA. Averaging around 18 in 9 innings. But gee he gets em fast ! Lol.
Ss
Guest
Maxwell is a waste of space.please bring MITCH ASAP!!!!!@
JamesH
Roar Guru
Not sure why their plan would be any different bowling first, but again, what if he's not 100% fit? You're not addressing the hypothetical I'm actually proposing. If Maxwell is fit then he plays and it's a non-issue.
JamesH
Roar Guru
I agree, he's only getting a game if they don't think Maxwell is right to go.
Rob
Guest
Look at the bright side we have trade some dead wood for a quality fieldsman. Australia can now play the Jadaja card like India and a few others like to do.Hope the bowlers keep practicing at pitching the ball up because that’s where they have had their most success.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Well the positive is that Handscomb gets in the squad as it should always have been. Marsh and Khawaja in the same squad made no sense.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Handscomb is probably the second fastest "starter" that Australia have got after Maxwell, he gets going really swiftly, similar to Carey. But I have no issue with Australia's top 4 as it is now. Obviously the openers are killing it, Smith looks in prime touch and ready for a big knock, and Khawaja has hit form with 205 runs from his last 3 knocks. Handscomb at 5 would make Australia's batting lineup really look amazing but as I've argued elsewhere I think it's too big a risk bowling wise.
VivGilchrist
Roar Rookie
News is that Marsh is still hitting them well in the nets and a great guy to have in the change rooms.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
I would have liked to have seen Turner make it too but with his unavailability, I'm happy for Handscomb. The question on all our minds is will he play against SA?
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Actually without S Marsh, we would have only had 4 specialist batsman remaining (if MM was brought in instead of Handscomb). But I guess if one of those 4 got injured or fell ill ahead of the SF or Final, they could have still drafted in Handscomb (or other batsman) from the Aus A squad – perhaps the only issue would be how long they have to get clearance from ICC to make the swap, especially if the player got injured or fell ill on the morning of the match for example, before team sheets were submitted? So perhaps that was the thinking behind it?
Roar GOAT
Roar Rookie
Handscomb in for khawaja. Perfect ????
Asthon
Roar Rookie
nice one Ronan. out of the box but probably the right call. i cant see the top 5 of warner finch khawaja smith maxwell changing. we have enough batters and only 1.5 all rounders, mitch marsh would have been a great albeit bold call!
Paul
Roar Guru
James, in each case Australia bowled second and there was a deliberate plan on Finch's part to bowl sides out, which obviously worked, leaving the 5th bowlers with overs in hand. If SA bats first and goes the distance, we look very thin if Maxwell doesn't play, especially in any of the other bowlers gets a bit of tap.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Yeah, I get that. I'm just thinking we don't have to really make that call before toss because the actual table will be known and I think we can beat Saffers without Max.
Brasstax
Guest
Oops! I meant a win against the Saffers today will take us to 16 points.
Brasstax
Guest
This is a crucial game for us as it determines who we will play in the SF between England and NZ and I am sure with the Poms seemingly having gotten their mojo back and the Kiwis being exposed badly the choice is a no brainer. India are breathing down our neck and are likely to beat SL in their last round robin getting them up to 15 points. We are at 14 and this is our last round robin fixture and a win will take us to 15 allowing us to face NZ in the semis. I guess the rained out fixture with NZ is hurting India now because had that been played they would have most likely finished first irrespective of the results of this match.
Gurlivleen Grewal
Roar Pro
Didn't he also injure Dhawan? Sir Patrick is on fire left and right.
Asthon
Roar Rookie
S Marsh was dropped from the test squad anyway. I can't see handscomb getting a game. The last group game should be used as the final practice before potentially two huge games. Best team needs to be on the park. Which means Handscombe on the bench with Carey in good batting and OK catching form.