Australia call up Wade, Marsh for WC semis

MANCHESTER, July 07 (AFP): Injury-hit Australia have called up Matthew Wade and Mitch Marsh to their World Cup squad as cover for Usman Khawaja and Marcus Stoinis.

Top-order batsman Khawaja suffered a left hamstring injury in Australia's shock 10-run defeat by South Africa at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Stoinis was also hampered by a side complaint, an issue which had already sidelined the all-rounder for two group stage matches. With reigning champions Australia due to play England in the semi-finals at Edgbaston on Thursday, Wade and Marsh have been added to the squad.

Marsh links up with the group for a second time as cover for Stoinis, who missed Australia's wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka before returning against Bangladesh.

Both Khawaja and Stoinis will undergo scans on their injuries but, in the meantime, Wade and Marsh will leave the Australia A group currently in Sussex.

Australia captain Aaron Finch admitted Khawaja was unlikely to recover in time for the rest of the tournament when he spoke after the South Africa defeat-a result that cost his side first place in the 10-team group stage.

"Australia A arrived at Arundel for Sunday's four-day clash with Sussex short two players after wicketkeeper-batter Wade and all-rounder Marsh were called up as cover to Australia's WC squad," a Cricket Australia statement read.