Stoinis firms for Cup return as Marsh exits

Marcus Stoinis looks set to overcome a side strain and play a key part in the remainder of Australia's World Cup campaign after training strongly two days out from their clash against Bangladesh.

While coach Justin Langer stressed there is no guarantee the allrounder will return to Australia's XI to face the Tigers at Trent Bridge on Thursday, he indicated Stoinis will remain part of their 15-man squad.

Australia A vice-captain Mitch Marsh had been on standby to replace Stoinis, but he farewelled the Australian squad after training on Tuesday and re-joined the A group in Northampton ahead of their game this week.

After missing Australia's past two games, Stoinis bowled for the best part of an hour on Tuesday, firstly on an empty training wicket in close consultation with team medical staff and bowling coach Adam Griffith, before he joined the main nets session.

He also showed no signs of pain while batting and fielding.

Langer said Stoinis had been determined to prove his fitness since he injured himself against India 10 days ago.

"We've been monitoring him," said the coach. "He's an elite athlete, he's an elite professional.

"He's done everything possible to get himself fit. He wouldn't give up the opportunity for anything, would he?

"He's determined, so it doesn't surprise me with where he's at now. It's a credit to him, it's a credit to the medical staff that are getting him up. So hopefully he can have a real impact on the tournament."

Langer was tight-lipped when asked if Stoinis would come straight back into the XI, offering only: "He's a chance."

On-duty selector Greg Chappell, skipper Aaron Finch and Langer had an extended discussion before training as the Australians pondered the recall a frontline spinner on a dry surface.

Finch has admitted the loss of Stoinis had thrown out the balance of Australia's side, with his absence also a key factor in the reigning 50-over champions being forced to leave out a specialist spin bowler in their past two games.

FInch had to scramble to eke out 10 overs between his own part-time spin and Glenn Maxwell's off-breaks against Pakistan, though Maxwell played a key role in pegging back Sri Lanka with the ball on Saturday after their openers got off to a fast start.

But Langer insisted his side's versatility is their trump card.

"We've played really well with another (team) balance," said Langer. "We played in India and Dubai with two spinners. I'm really confident with whatever balance we go in. It's actually really exciting.

"We said at the start of the tour that we've got lots of options, (we are) very adaptable and that's our strength not our weakness.

"I get the sense some people think that's our weakness. I actually think it's our strength that we can play according to our opposition, we can play accordingly to grounds, we can play accordingly to managing players.

"That's a strength, not a weakness."

Langer also confirmed Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was omitted for Australia's win over Sri Lanka due to soreness, is available for selection against Bangladesh.

"He is getting a bit tight in his back," Langer explained. "He played three games (in seven days) and I don't think he has done that for a long time.

"He's fit and he's certainly fit to play the next game."

2019 World Cup

Australia's squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

June 1: Australia beat Afghanistan by seven wickets

June 6: Australia beat West Indies by 15 runs

June 9: Australia lost to India by 36 runs

June 12: Australia beat Pakistan by 41 runs

June 15: Australia beat Sri Lanka by 87 runs

June 20: Australia v Bangladesh, Trent Bridge

June 25: England v Australia, Lord's

June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)

July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)

July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford

July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston

July 14: Final, Lord's

Sync Australia's World Cup schedule to your calendar HERE

For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE