Matthew Wade is set to be parachuted into Australia's World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Usman Khawaja ahead of their semi-final against England.
Australia coach Justin Langer confirmed that a hamstring strain has ruled Khawaja out for the remainder of the tournament, so a formal request will be lodged to replace the left-hander with Wade.
Khawaja's injury, which he suffered in the 10-run defeat to South Africa on Saturday, comes just days after fellow batsman Shaun Marsh suffered a broken arm in the nets. His place in the squad was taken by Pete Handscomb.
Australia coach Justin Langer confirms Matthew Wade will officially replace Usman Khawaja in the World Cup squad, once ICC paperwork has been lodged. Full details: https://t.co/cVFWrW7phy | @samuelfez @LouisDBCameron #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/WG4FzFinTN — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 7, 2019
Langer said in quotes on the media arm of Cricket Australia's website: "It's such a pity for (Khawaja), for someone who's been so integral to how we've been playing.
"Like Shaun I feel that sad for him that he's going to miss the World Cup semi-final."
Wicketkeeper-batsman Wade and all-rounder Mitch Marsh were summoned on Sunday morning from the Australia A party, which is currently touring England, as injury cover for Khawaja and Marcus Stoinis.
A decision will be made on Stoinis' availability to face England at Edgbaston on Thursday in the next 24-48 hours and he remains part of Australia's 15-man squad.
The all-rounder was absent for two fixtures because of a left side injury earlier in the tournament but he is now struggling with a right side strain.
Wade owns a modest record after 94 one-day internationals, averaging 25.75 in 80 innings with 10 fifties and only one century, but his elevation comes after recent hundreds against Northamptonshire and Derbyshire.
Great selection- Wade must play! He is in unbelievable form and it's the way he is batting- aggressive, intent, looking to take the bowlers on! Exactly what Australia needs to beat England in the semi final. https://t.co/HfwXe0tA6X — Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) July 7, 2019
Langer added: "Matthew Wade is coming up, he's in great form, he's had a great 12 or 18 months back home but he also just scored two hundreds (for Australia A) so he's in great nick.
"Mitch Marsh is going to come on standby for Marcus Stoinis just to see how he comes up. If they have to come in they'll be ready to step up."
Marsh links up with the World Cup squad for a second time as cover for Stoinis, who missed Australia's wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka last month before returning against Bangladesh.
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