Australia is set to face hosts England in the second semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2019, at the Edgbaston in Birmingham on Thursday (July 11). Despite being marred by injuries, Australia had some quality players waiting in the wings with Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh already being called up as a cover.
So far, Australia is yet to lose a semi-final in the ODI showpiece. It’s going to be an enticing clash in a couple of days time.
Here’s Australia’s predicted XI for the second semi-final against England:
David Warner:
David Warner has been in incredible form. He has amassed 638 runs in nine matches at an average of 79.75.
The southpaw would be crucial for Aussies in the semi-final clash at Edgbaston. He would be eyeing for a rollicking start.
Aaron Finch:
Aaron Finch has led from the front. He has scored the bulk of the runs for his team. Finch has backed his team by scoring at the brisk pace.
In nine innings Finch has slammed 507 runs at an average of 56.33.
Steven Smith:
Steven Smith has a mixed show at the World Cup. The backbone of Australian batting line-up Smith has 294 runs to his name in nine matches.
All in all, the right-handed batsman is a big match player.
Matthew Wade:
The Hobart-born 31-year-old left-handed batsman, Matthew Wade, has enough experience on his back. In 94 ODIs, Wade has 1777 runs to his name. He also has ten half-centuries and a ton to his name.
Wade is known for his establishing role in the middle overs.
Glenn Maxwell:
So far, Glenn Maxwell had a below average tournament. He has 155 runs to his name in nine innings.
However, given his ability to change the complexion of the game, Maxwell altogether becomes a threat in such crunch moments of the game.
Alex Carey:
Alex Carey has been exceptional with his knock, in the previous game, he has played fighting innings to keep Australia afloat in the high-scoring game.
Carey is also known for changing his gears, and he has been handy at the fag end of innings,
Mitchell Marsh:
The 27-year-old all-rounder Mitchell Marsh could get a straightaway game. With his average reading 35.7 in 53 ODIs, Marsh is known for going after the bowlers, as well.
The right-handed batsman Marsh is capable of stitching partnerships in the middle overs.
Pat Cummins:
Speedster Pat Cummins had done significantly well for his team. Cummins, who not only stemmed the run flow in the middle overs, further went on to pick wickets at the regular intervals. He has 13 wickets to his name.
Mitchell Starc:
Mitchell Starc is in some red-hot form. The only game he went wicketless came against India. The left-arm paceman has bagged two five-wicket hauls and as many four-wicket hauls.
Starc is the leading wicket-taker of the competition with 26 scalps under his belt.
Jason Behrendorff:
The promising youngster Jason Behrendorff has featured in four matches. He has nine wickets to his name.
Behrendorff would be crucial for Australia in the initial overs.
Nathan Lyon:
The premium off-spinner Nathan Lyon has three wickets under his name in as many games. Lyon has a wealth of experience. He could give a tough time to the Three Lions.