Usman Khawaja ruled out of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Matthew Wade called as replacement

Australia coach Justin Langer confirmed that Usman Khawaja, who suffered a left hamstring injury during the team’s last match against South Africa in Old Trafford has been ruled out of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Matthew Wade has been named as a replacement in the 15-man squad and he could be the official replacement subject to clearance from the ICC Technical Committee. Mitchell Marsh has also been named as a stand-by for Marcus Stoinis who is suffering from a side strain which forced him to miss the games against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Australia will once again square off against old rivals England in the semi-final at Edgbaston on July 11.

"It's such a pity for Khawaja, for someone who's been so integral to how we've been playing. Like Shaun (Marsh, who broke his arm on Thursday) I feel that sad for him that he's going to miss the World Cup semi-final. 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,” Langer told Cricket Australia’s official website.

Wade has been in superb form for Tasmania in Sheffield Shield and on the current tour of England for Australia A. The left-hander smashed three fifties and a century in the four First Class games while in the current tour of England, Wade hammered 117 and 155 against Northants and Derbyshire to go with two scores of 41 and 42 against Gloucestershire.

Mitchell Marsh, who was not included in the side for the World Cup, has been added to the squad as cover for Stoinis, who missed Australia's wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka before returning against Bangladesh. "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," Langer added.

Australia had won their previous encounter against England in Lord’s on June 25 by a margin of 64 runs thanks to Aaron Finch’s century and a superb five-wicket haul from Jason Behrendorff. England will be aiming to break their 27-year losing streak against Australia when they play each other in the semi-final.

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Australia will play England in the semi-final on July 11 in Edgbaston.
• Marcus Stoinis is also in doubt due to a side strain.
• Australia beat England in the league clash at Lord's on June 25.