Cricket World Cup: Potential of rain could sway selection dilemma in favour of Marcus Stoinis

The Aussies will have a huge decision to make when they take on South Africa in the World Cup semi-finals, but a surprise factor could make it an easier decision to go with Marcus Stoinis.

The prospect of a rain-shortened semi-final against South Africa could sway Australia’s selection duel in favour of Marcus Stoinis as the Aussies sweat on Kolkata’s weather later in the week.

Rain is forecast for Thursday, the scheduled day of the game, as well as Friday, the reserve day. While models vary, a cyclone is developing around the Bay of Bengal which has the potential to wreak havoc with Australia’s hopes of a sixth one-day World Cup crown.

Having qualified in second spot for the semis, the Proteas would advance in the event a result cannot be achieved across Thursday and Friday.

Helping Australia’s cause is the fact that only 20 overs per side are needed for a game to be completed.

If selectors take the prospect of the match being reduced into account, that will almost certainly help Stoinis, who is a T20 mainstay for Australia, in his battle with Marnus Labuschagne for the last spot in the XI.

Labuschagne has been superb in the field for Australia. (Photo by Punit PARANJPE / AFP)

While Stoinis’ record with the bat in one-day cricket over the past five years has been underwhelming, his late innings hitting is suited to a shortened match. Earlier this year he was named Australia’s T20 player of the year at the Australian Cricket Awards.

Opener Travis Head said it would be a difficult call for selectors.

“I think what we’ve seen is everyone can bowl. All-rounders and we’ve got options everywhere. Within the 15, I think Pat (Cummins) said it the other day, everyone’s now played a game and everyone’s now contributed,” Head said.

“So tough for the selectors, nice to not be in that role.”

Head is meanwhile set to confront South Africa for the first time since his hand was broken by Proteas quick Gerald Coetzee in September.

The left-hander said he wasn’t fazed by the prospect of being targeted by the fearsome South African attack.

Stoinis has battled with the blade at the World Cup. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“‘Go for it,’” Head said on Tuesday with a laugh.

“They’ve got a very good bowling attack. I think he’s taken the most wickets for them but has missed a couple of games. So it’ll be interesting to see what kind of make up they go with, but I don’t think that will be in their mind. I think they’ll back their skillset over mine. I think they are a pretty confident bowling attack, they are a very skilful bowling attack. I don’t think I’ll be targeted in any certain way, I think they’ll think that their skillset is good enough to get me out and I’ll back my skillset against theirs.”

Head also said he was prepared to bowl in the semi but expected his responsibilities would be reduced given Glenn Maxwell is set to return after being rested for the Aussies’ final pool match against Bangladesh.

“If needed a couple of overs here and there, but not as much as when Maxi hasn’t been playing,” Head said.

The South Australian meanwhile said he would join skipper Cummins and veteran Mitchell Starc in nominating for December’s Indian Premier League auction as he eyes a spot in Australia’s squad at next year’s T20 World Cup.