ICC World Cup 2019 | Australia have very good batting side and I'm sure the opportunities will come, says Justin Langer

06/14/2019

Australian head coach Justin Langer stated that the talent in Australia’s squad allows them to be flexible with their batting lineup and he believes that the batsmen are skilled enough to adapt themselves to the circumstances. He went on to discuss the role of the middle order batsmen in the team.

Australia has had a great start to their World Cup campaign so far, managing to win three of the four games they have played, only losing to fellow heavyweights India. The most impressive feature of their performances so far has been the batting display put on by them. In their last match they experimented quite drastically with their lineup and managed to get a good score of 307 against Pakistan.

Shaun Marsh got an opportunity to play his first match of the tournament and though he did not have much of an impact, Langer believes he has the potential to make a real difference in the death overs with his high strike rate.

"Shaun Marsh is a very, very explosive player. I remember seeing him hit 28 off an over in the semi-final. You've got to be pretty explosive to hit 28 off an over. He's been an incredible player for the Scorchers in Big Bash cricket, he's a very explosive player. It's exciting having him anywhere in the order and he can hit the ball as hard and as far as anyone in the world,” Langer said, reported ESPNCricinfo.

However, his inclusion meant Khawaja had to bat as low as number six, even though he had never batted below number 3 before the start of the World Cup for the national team. Langer though believes he has more than enough talent and experience to adjust to the needs of thr team and the game.

"[Ability to adapt to the game] comes with experience. He is used to batting at the top of the order. When you go in there's different pressures. In a lot of ways, it's an easier time. It's an older ball and there's a lot of gaps in the field. He'll adapt. And there will be times when he comes on the second ball of the day. I hope it doesn't happen, but he might," Langer said of the situation.

The other key cog of the lineup is the dynamic Glenn Maxwell who can win matches on his own when he gets going. Against Pakistan too, he managed to strike the ball at a rate of 200.00 but got out for a low score of 20.

“We showed some flexibility with our order. , his strike-rate was high but would like to see Maxi get a match-changing innings like he's done so many times before. We've got a very good batting side and I'm sure the opportunities will come. That's the beauty of having Glenn Maxwell in the team. He brings energy and we obviously know how brilliant he is against spin bowling, so that is the beauty of having him,” Langer quoted.

The Kangaroos will face off against Sri Lanka at the Oval tomorrow in what will be their fifth match of the tournament.