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ADELAIDE: Defending champions Australia are grappling with injury concerns for three key players, including captain Aaron Finch who is uncertain to lead the team in their crucial T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan on Friday.
finch, Tim David and Marcus Stoinis suffered hamstring injuries during Australia’s 42-run win over Ireland in Brisbane on Monday.
Finch batted for all but 19 balls of Australia’s innings for his 63 and then fielded for the Irish innings, before departing awkwardly after a sprint. While all-rounders David and Stoinis did not take the field during Ireland’s innings.
Finch underwent a fitness test here on Wednesday and did a series of runs and stretches of his hamstring, watched by team fitness staff and chairman of selectors George Bailey.
Finch’s injury was the biggest concern for Australia given the 35-year-old’s history of hamstring injuries.
“Little hammy twinge I think,” Finch said Monday after the win.
“I’ll have a scan tomorrow (Tuesday). Unfortunately I’ve had a history with them so we’ll see how that goes. It doesn’t feel too bad at the moment but generally they can stiffen overnight.
“We will get a scan and get the full results but I am very hopeful (to play Afghanistan) but we will know more (Tuesday).”
If Finch is suspended from the match, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade will lead Australia against Afghanistan. Wade performed captaincy duties after Finch came off the field against Ireland.
Young versatile man Cameron Green can replace Finch as opener if the captain is ruled out.
Green, who was a late addition to the team and an injured Josh Inglis, had centre-wicket practice at Karen Rolton Oval and hit a series of massive sixes in the back.
Australia must beat Afghanistan on Friday to have any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.
The all-important net run rate (NRR), which could decide whether they qualify for the semi-finals, rose to -0.304 after the win against Ireland, but is still below England (0.239) and New Zealand (2,233).
All three teams are currently on five points after four games.
finch, Tim David and Marcus Stoinis suffered hamstring injuries during Australia’s 42-run win over Ireland in Brisbane on Monday.
Finch batted for all but 19 balls of Australia’s innings for his 63 and then fielded for the Irish innings, before departing awkwardly after a sprint. While all-rounders David and Stoinis did not take the field during Ireland’s innings.
Finch underwent a fitness test here on Wednesday and did a series of runs and stretches of his hamstring, watched by team fitness staff and chairman of selectors George Bailey.
Finch’s injury was the biggest concern for Australia given the 35-year-old’s history of hamstring injuries.
“Little hammy twinge I think,” Finch said Monday after the win.
“I’ll have a scan tomorrow (Tuesday). Unfortunately I’ve had a history with them so we’ll see how that goes. It doesn’t feel too bad at the moment but generally they can stiffen overnight.
“We will get a scan and get the full results but I am very hopeful (to play Afghanistan) but we will know more (Tuesday).”
If Finch is suspended from the match, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade will lead Australia against Afghanistan. Wade performed captaincy duties after Finch came off the field against Ireland.
Young versatile man Cameron Green can replace Finch as opener if the captain is ruled out.
Green, who was a late addition to the team and an injured Josh Inglis, had centre-wicket practice at Karen Rolton Oval and hit a series of massive sixes in the back.
Australia must beat Afghanistan on Friday to have any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.
The all-important net run rate (NRR), which could decide whether they qualify for the semi-finals, rose to -0.304 after the win against Ireland, but is still below England (0.239) and New Zealand (2,233).
All three teams are currently on five points after four games.
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