(L-R) Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith (Source: AP)
Australia qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal after their last league game against Afghanistan was washed out due to rain. Chasing a target of 274, Australia were marching towards a big win before rain stopped play and it never resumed. Australia's last game against South Africa was also washed out. The two washouts and a win over England allowed Australia to accumulate four points and qualify for the semifinal.
Australia's semifinal opponent is not confirmed yet. England take on South Africa on Saturday and if the Proteas win, they will top the group and face the loser of the India vs New Zealand match while Australia will face the winner of the match. In case South Africa lose, Australia will top group B and face the loser of the India vs New Zealand game.
Meanwhile, Australia suffered a huge blow ahead of the match as Matthew Short was ruled out of the semifinal. Australian captain Steve Smith said that it would be tough for Short to get fit before the game. If Short is ruled out, Australia will have to make changes to the playing XI.
Australia's XI could be changed according to the opposition and the venue. If the team faces New Zealand in Lahore, they could bring in Jake Fraser McGurk in place of Matthew Short and Sean Abbott in place of Ben Dwarshius.
In case they play India in Dubai, the possibility of which is high, they may make a few additional changes. Along with McGurk replacing Short and Abbott coming in place of Ben Dwarshius, Australia could get Tanveer Sangha in place of Spencer Johnson as the conditions in Dubai will help the spinners, and Aaron Hardie in place of Marnus Labuschagne.
Australia Likely XI If They Play New Zealand: Jake Fraser McGurk, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
Australia Likely XI If They Play New Zealand: Jake Fraser McGurk, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne/Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha.
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