However, he is a good teammate and his absence has rocked a squad that is on top of the World Cup table and had been building nicely towards back-to-back titles. Coach Justin Langer said the Australians were devastated for the veteran batsman. "Unfortunately, the scans have revealed Shaun has suffered a fracture to his forearm which will require surgery," he said. Steve Smith and David Warner at the World Cup. Credit:AP "This is, obviously, shattering news for Shaun and the squad. 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."

Marsh, who has joined the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, turns 36 next week and may have played the last of his 38 Tests and 73 one-day internationals for his country. On a terrible day for the world champions, Maxwell was also struck, in his case on the right forearm by spearhead Mitchell Starc. He, too, was sent for scans but fortunately escaped serious injury. Loading "Glenn Maxwell has also underwent scans after he was struck on his right forearm in the nets," Langer said. "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 Africa."

Should Maxwell not recover in time, Handscomb - who had played well earlier in the year in the one-day international side - could be drafted straight into the XI for a match Australia are desperate to win to retain top spot and remain in Manchester for a semi-final on Tuesday, most likely against New Zealand. Allrounder Marcus Stoinis did not bowl at full speed at training but is expected to play. He is three games back from a side strain. Stoinis has only 65 runs in five innings at 16.25 and the Australians need more from him. His tournament was temporarily derailed by injury but there have still been opportunities to provide an innings of substance, including against the Black Caps last Saturday when he made 21 – his highest score of the tournament. Glenn Maxwell. Credit:PA Stoinis has worked closely with batting coach Ricky Ponting through the tour, amid criticism last summer that he was too slow early in his innings.

"One of the areas he's been working on is having a bit more energy early in his innings," Langer said. "He came in (against the Black Caps) and played that cut shot over point straightaway, played a good cover drive and probably didn't take the opportunity to spend more time in the middle. "He's a very important part of our team because of what he can bring. He's a very good fielder as well but he like maxi would like to be getting some runs." Loading Stoinis was given only two overs against the Black Caps, sparking suggestions he was sore, but Langer said he was confident the allrounder would continue to do well when needed at the "death".