ICC World Cup 2019: AUS coach confirms WC debut for batsman, provides Stoinis update

Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Peter Handscomb is all set to make his debut at the ICC World Cup for the semi-final clash against England at the Edgbaston Cricket Stadium in Warwickshire on Thursday.

NEWS: Australia head coach Justin Langer confirms Peter Handscomb will come into Australia's XI in place of Usman Khawaja for the #CWC19 semi-final against England on Thursday.

He'll be playing his first World Cup game. No pressure… ?#AUSvENG | #CmonAussie pic.twitter.com/DyZcNA8W4w

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 9, 2019

Langer confirms Handscomb will come into Australia’s XI

Australia head coach Justin Langer confirmed that Handscomb will come into Australia’s XI in place of Usman Khawaja for the semi-final against England on Thursday.

“I’ll tell you the truth. Peter Handscomb will definitely play, 100 per cent,” the official website of the cricket World Cup quoted Langer as saying. “He deserves it, he was really stiff not to be on this tour. He was so unlucky not to be in the initial squad after what he’d done to help us get to that point.

“He’s in good form, he played well for Australia A, he gives us nice balance through that middle order, he’s got great temperament, he plays spin well and he’s on top of his game. So he’ll definitely play,” he added.

Marcus Stoinis fit to play in Australia’s semi-final

Meanwhile, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis who suffered from side strain in the match against South Africa has been declared fit to play for the semi-final.

“He looks good,” said Langer after Australia hit the nets on Tuesday. “It was a very good net session actually, there was a bit of heat again, it was very competitive and that always brings the best out in Stoinis. He did a good job today and he’s fit to go.”