ICC World Cup 2019 | We're still trying to find that best XI, reveals Brad Haddin
Brad Haddin has stated that Marcus Stoinis’ injury has affected Australia's gameplan causing them to shuffle their starting lineup in order to find the best available combination. The Assistant Coach went on to discuss Usman Khawaja’s changed role in the team and the team’s expectations from him.
Currently sitting at the top of the points table, Australia have had an excellent start to their World Cup campaign having won four of the five games they have played so far. Their only loss in the tournament yet came to a strong Indian side. After playing the same team for the first three fixtures, it was in the game against India that their star all rounder Marcus Stoinis suffered a side strain. Since then, the team has been in a bit of disarray and has made quite some changes for both the matches. So far, 14 of the 15 players in the squad have already had a chance to play, with Nathan Lyon the only one yet to take the field as a starter.
"At the moment, we're still trying to find that best XI. Marcus has thrown a spanner into everything there with his injury and how important an all-rounder he is. We're still trying to find what works best for us. Come later in the tournament, we'll start to understand what the conditions are like a lot better and what is our best XI," said Brad Haddin.
Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja, who had entered the tournament as 2019’s top scorer in ODIs, has struggled with the bat so far. He has scored only 108 runs in the five matches at an average of 21.6. His form saw him coming in to bat at as low as number six, even though he had never played below number three for The Kangaroos in the 30+ ODIs before the quadrennial tournament.
"He's been okay with it - he's a class act. We're pretty happy with where he's at - he's just got to bat the situation, and No.3 is not uncommon to him. He's played most of his career at No. 3 in state cricket and Test cricket. Before, he could go out and set the pace of the innings, and now, the innings is dictating the role he needs to play. He’s had little cameos throughout. We’re pretty happy with where he’s at. He’s just got to bat (according to) the situation," Haddin said referring to the talented left handed batsman.
Australia play their next game against a soaring Bangladesh team on Thursday, with Marcus Stoinis’ return to the team for the match a possibility, though a slight one.
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