Cricket World Cup 2019: Australia to take call on Stoinis injury after late fitness test

Sport360 staff 16:42 09/07/2019
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  • Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis.

    Australia are hoping all-rounder Marcus Stoinis can be fit in time for the 2019 ICC World Cup semi-final against arch-rivals England which takes place at Edgbaston on Thursday.

    The defending champions had earlier called up Mitchell Marsh as cover for the injured all-rounder but Stoinis could still play a part in Thursday’s clash if all goes well in Tuesday’s training.

    Stoinis is currently grappling with two side strains with the latest of them coming in Australia’s recent loss to South Africa. The all-rounder had earlier picked up a side strain in the round-robin phase clash against England.

    “He’s pretty tough, Stoin. He’s played with the left side (strain) through the tournament and he bowled seven overs against England in a row and got through it okay,” Australia bowling coach Adam Griffith was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

    “Scans show things, but it will be more around his ability to perform. We’ll have a good look at that tomorrow when he bowls – not only will it be on the pace and the GPS numbers but also his execution. We’ll be able to make a pretty good assessment from there.

    Usman Khawaja's World Cup is over.

    Usman Khawaja’s World Cup is over.

    “It’s pretty uncommon (to injure both sides), so I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes tomorrow. That’s the best indication we’ll have that he’s not just fit to play, but fit to perform.”

    Stoinis’ team-mate Peter Handscomb is backing the all-rounder to recover in time for the semi-final.

    “If there’s anyone that can pull through this, it’s the big fella,” said Handscomb.

    “I think his mental strength to be able to shut off pain or outside noise and really just zone in on the moment is really impressive and I think that’s why he has gone so far and done so well with his cricket.

    “Hopefully, for his sake, he can find a way through and play on Thursday.”

    Earlier on Monday, batsman Usman Khawaja was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury he picked up in the clash against South Africa. Australia are hoping to replace the left-hander with wicketkeeper batsman Matthew Wade who has been called up as cover.

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