ICC World Cup 2019 | I back myself to make runs when required, claims Peter Handscomb
Peter Handscomb has stated that his good form of late and his past record give him the belief that he can perform for his country on such a huge platform. He further stated that playing in the semifinal would be a dream come true and remarked on the England-Australia rivalry.
Usman Khawaja has been in excellent touch in 2019, having scored at an average of 49.32 the year, while having scored 316 runs in the ongoing World Cup. However, he sustained an unfortunate hamstring tear while batting against South Africa in the last match and though Matthew Wade has been called in as his replacement, Peter Handscomb is expected to start the next game in his place. He himself had come in as a replacement of the injured Shaun Marsh.
“To actually be able to do it (playing in a semi-final), is like living the dream. It’s really sad obviously for the people who’ve gone down so late in the tournament. For those guys it’s gut-wrenching, but they’re also supporting the rest of the group. That’s the atmosphere we have in the dressing room,” Peter Handscomb stated ahead of the semifinal, reported News18.
The 28-year-old made his debut against Pakistan two years ago and has since performed well for the Kangaroos. He has 628 runs from 21 matches at an average of nearly 35 and even more impressively, a strike rate of 98.6. Australia has had a very impressive World Cup so far and it might be difficult for the Victorian to come in and perform instantly under such pressure but he believes he is ready for it.
"For me, I've played so many World Cup semi-finals and finals in the backyard with my mates and you are trying to be different guys as a kid. To actually come out here is great. It's about knowing what is required of me and then treating it as any game, go in with the same mindset I have for the last couple of years and hopefully do something towards winning the match," Handscomb explained.
Particularly good were the two series against India last year in which he scored at an average of 50.3 and 47.2 respectively, following it up with a decent series against Pakistan. He has the remarkable quality to build his innings while required while also having the big shots in his kitty.
"Every time you take the next step up you try and get that self-belief that you actually belong there and that little period against India and Pakistan really helped me believe in myself. Now I can back my skills and know I have done it so can continue to make runs if required," Handscomb added.
The Kangaroos will go up against the hosts on Thursday in what is anticipated to be one of the matches of the tournament so far, considering the stage and the history the two team share. Australia had managed to record a comfortable win in the group stages against England but nothing can be taken for granted.
“Obviously the rivalry is strong, everyone just seems to live for these games. There’ll be plenty of energy, and basically whoever can stay calm for the longest out there and keep a level head will go through,” Handscomb concluded.
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