Last Update on: November 13th, 2023 at 06:16 pm
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden picked his Australia XI for the upcoming semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2023 against South Africa. The two teams will be up against each other at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday (16th November).
Australia will be having a full-strength squad for the first time in the ICC World Cup 2023. Therefore to choose 11 from them would be tough for them, especially with the kind of performances players have put in the league stage, where they won 7 games.
Matthew Hayden picked David Warner, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh as the top three. He believes that Australia wouldn’t make any change in the top order. The trio has been one of the main reasons behind the team’s success in the tournament as they batted brilliantly.
Matthew Hayden had a hard time choosing two between Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Marcus Stoinis. But he felt that it wouldn’t be good to change the combination during the semi-final. Therefore he backed Smith and Labuschagne to bat at No.4 and No.5 respectively.
Despite Josh Inglis not having a great tournament, he backed him to retain his place. At No.6, there was no brainer that he picked Glenn Maxwell. The all-rounder has been right on the money with both bat and ball in the tournament and would be hoping to continue his form.
The bowling department picked by Matthew Hayden was the one Australia has been playing in all the games. Three quicks in Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood will retain his place. Adam Zampa, who is the leading run-getter in the tournament with 22 wickets, also made it into his team.
AUS vs SA: Matthew Hayden Picks His Australian XI For Semi-Final; Leaves Marcus Stoinis
Here’s Matthew Hayden’s Australian XI For Semi-Final
Travis Head
David Warner
Mitchell Marsh
Steve Smith
Marnus Labuschagne
Josh Inglis (wk)
Glenn Maxwell
Pat Cummins
Mitchell Starc
Adam Zampa
Josh Hazlewood
Australia vs South Africa will be one of the most exciting clashes of the tournaments. The Proteas in the last few encounters have had an upper edge over the opponents. They recently thumped in the series and also in the ICC World Cup 2023
