We’re living the dream and should relish it, says Morgan
● England skipper hails clash with rivals ● Finch plays down Maxwell absence
ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA
a tame defeat to Sri Lanka, but feels they are now back to their best.
“We’re probably more confident than we were three games ago, we’re a different team,” he said. “The loss against Sri Lanka hurt us. I don’t think we were playing anywhere near our best cricket, there was a hangover from the Sri Lanka game. It feels like we’re back to the team we are.”
Meanwhile, Aaron Finch played down the relevance of Glenn Maxwell’s absence on the eve of the semi-final but Australia are still pondering a huge selection gamble.
Maxwell used to be known as “the Big Show” but he was a no-show at his team’s final net session yesterday.
It was an optional workout, and the 30-year-old was not the only player to sit out, but it fuelled suggestions that Australia were set to axe him in favour of Matthew Wade
The ICC confirmed Wade’s place in the squad as an injury replacement for Usman Khawaja less than 24 hours before the match but he is reportedly under consideration for a first cap since October 2017. That would represent a massive risk but Maxwell is vulnerable after managing just 155 runs in nine innings so far.
“It’s a purely optional training session. You’re reading a bit too much into it,” said Australia captain Finch. “Maxi is someone who probably 50 per cent of the time comes to optional sessions. Most of the bowlers aren’t here, Davey [Warner] isn’t here. We’ll name our side tomorrow at the toss, as usual.”
Justin Langer broke with that practice on Tuesday, though, guaranteeing that another injury replacement – Peter Handscomb – would take over from Khawaja in the XI for his first appearance of thetournament.thatmaxwell was not offered the same pledge could be telling.
Whatever Langer decides, Finch made clear he would be happy to have Maxwell’s allround skills at his disposal.
“I think the overall package, the three factors that he brings to the game, is still a very exciting package,” he said.
“I think if you look at his contribution in the field he’s up there with most runs saved… he’s bowled some key overs for us that have allowed us to mix and match our bowlers through them middle overs.
“As far as the runs, I’m not bothered about that at all because the way he’s batting, the way that he’s going about his innings. Runs are just around the corner.”
The defending champions are looking for their sixth title and have never lost a semifinal and Finch said: “World Cups are very special, they bring out the best in the best players, so I think that’s why Australia have had a very rich history in World Cups.
“Winning four of the last five has been a great achievement. We are full of confidence but, obviously, England have probably been the front-runners in world cricket over the last four years.”