AHEAD OF SEMI FINALS, STAR PLAYER RULED OUT OF WORLD CUP! WHO WILL REPLACE?

This news came as a shock to cricket fans after the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday said that Australia's Peter Handscomb has been confirmed as a replacement for injured top-order batsman Shaun Marsh in their Cricket World Cup squad.

According to India Today reports, Shaun Marsh, was struck on the wrist by a rising Pat Cummins delivery in a net session at Old Trafford earlier on Thursday, ahead of their final group game against South Africa.

"The ICC has confirmed that the Event Technical Committee of the Cricket World Cup has approved Peter Handscomb as a replacement player for Shaun Marsh in the Australia squad for the remainder of the tournament," the ICC said in a statement.

"Marsh has suffered a fracture to his forearm which will require surgery after being struck while practicing in the nets today, the statement further added.

Apart from Marsh, Australia had a huge scare when batting all-rounder Glenn Maxwell also suffered a similar fate when he got hit on his right forearm by Mitchell Starc. But unlike Marsh, Maxwell has been cleared of any serious damage and Australia are likely to take a late call on his availability for their final round-robin clash.

"Glenn Maxwell also underwent scans after he was struck on his right forearm in the nets. The scans have cleared Glenn of any serious damage and we'll continue to monitor him over the coming days. We are hopeful he will be fit to perform for us on Saturday against South AfricaLanger said in a statement.

Australia have already qualified for the World Cup semi-finals and victory against South Africa will see them top the points table and set up a semi-final against New Zealand on 9 July.