Aussies: We’ve got it right

AUSTRALIA insists its shuffling of the batting order and willingness to change selection is a strength built on adaptability, rather than a team plugging holes deep into a World Cup campaign.

Captain Aaron Finch admitted that seam allrounder Marcus Stoinis’ injury helped push spinner Adam Zampa out of the side, before assistant coach Brad Haddin said the setback had disrupted team balance.

But Stoinis is likely to return from a side strain against Bangladesh tonight and coach Justin Langer was confident several different formulas could win the World Cup.

“It’s actually really exciting. I said at the start of the tour we had lots of options and we’re very adaptable — that’s our strength, not our weakness,” Langer said.

“We can play according to oppositions, we can play according to grounds, and we can play according to managing players.”

Bangladesh is hunting a semi-final place after stunning South Africa and West Indies and pushing New Zealand.

Just three months ago, about 10 of its World Cup players were nearly victims in the Christchurch mosque shootings, which occurred the day before a Test match which was cancelled. The players were on a bus to pray at the mosque where the attack happened, but media and social activities led to a fortunate delay.

West Indies legend Courtney Walsh is helping Bangladesh plot a shock win as its bowling coach.

Australia is considering abandoning its 12-month spin project and sticking with the four-pronged pace attack that delivered the 2015 World Cup trophy.

Zampa was hit out of the attack by India and has not played the past two games, while Nathan Lyon has been overlooked in all five matches.

Langer said the pitch at Trent Bridge looked “pretty dry” and the Aussies were considering again overlooking both specialist spinners.

While Stoinis’ injury pushed Zampa out, a deeper analysis has showed the effectiveness of pace at the World Cup. “It’s been pace that’s dominated the tournament. Over the last four years it’s been more spin that’s dominated one-day cricket, here it’s been more pace,’’ Langer said. “That might change – it’s been wet, it’s been overcast – as the wickets get a bit drier throughout the summer.”

AUSTRALIA v BANGLADESH

TONIGHT, 7.30PM