Australia vs South Africa Preview, ICC World Cup 2019: Australia target win against South Africa to finish on top

MANCHESTER: Having won seven out of their eight games so far, the Aussies, who became the first to make the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup, look set to defend their title.WORLD CUP SCHEDULE | POINTS TABLEHowever, just days ahead of the knockouts, their camp has been badly hit by injuries. On the eve of their last league game against South Africa, they endured a 'horror net session', which saw batsmen Shaun Marsh and Glenn Maxwell getting injured while facing short balls from pacers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.Maxwell was hit on the right forearm by Starc, before scans cleared him of any serious injury. He is being monitored, and looks doubtful for the clash against South Africa, which the Aussies need to win to finish on top, in order to face New Zealand in the first semifinal on July 9.Marsh replaced Maxwell in the net, but a Cummins delivery broke his right wrist moments later, ruling him out of the World Cup. The injuries happened within 10 minutes of each other. Marsh's injury means Peter Handscomb, who was unlucky to miss out of the original squad anyways, could be parachuted into Australia's team to face South Africa.On Friday, Handscomb travelled from Australia A's camp in Brighton to join the Australian team in Manchester, after officially replacing Marsh. "This is obviously shattering news for Shaun and the squad," coach Justin Langer said. "Throughout this tournament, his spirit, professionalism and the way he has competed has been typically outstanding. We are right behind Shaun in his recovery and rehabilitation."To make it worse, former captain Steve Smith and left-arm seamer Jason Behrendorff too suffered minor finger injuries while fielding. However, both finished training after being taped up and are not in any doubt for Saturday's match."The scans have cleared Glenn of any serious damage and we'll continue to monitor him over the coming days," Langer said. "We are hopeful he will be fit to perform for us on Saturday against South Africa." "Pete is a like-for-like player in terms of batting in the middle order," Langer said.