Wade, who joins the squad as a specialist batsman as a replacement for Khawaja, is in superb touch and shapes as an explosive option at the top of the order. He has played 94 one-day internationals as a batsman-wicketkeeper, making 1777 runs at 25.75, with one century. His last ODI was against India in Nagpur in 2017. He had been in superb touch through the Australia A one-day series against English county sides, smacking 117, 155, 41 and 42. This on top of an outstanding summer at home where he at times played as a specialist batsman for Tasmania, finishing as the second leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield. "There's a real upside to him and he is in no doubt career-best form," Langer said. Handscomb has also been in good touch for Australia A but is seen as more of a methodical batsman, having only been overlooked for the World Cup because of the return of Smith.

Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video "We know England will play the leggie (Adil Rashid) in the middle overs, maybe Moeen (Ali), it depends if he plays or not. Players who can play spin, Pete does that really well. He's been in really good form playing in the middle order for Australia A," Langer said. One theory is that gloveman Alex Carey, with 329 runs at 68.5 in eight innings and having posted a career high 85 off 69 balls against the Proteas, should be elevated to No. 5, with Glenn Maxwell at No. 6, where he would have the freedom to play as more of a Twenty20 thrasher style, should the conditions suit. "Whether it's Steve Smith batting at No. 3, whether it's Alex Carey coming up, we've got so many options – a very adaptable team. The way he's playing is exciting, not just for now but for a very long career ahead," Langer said. Mitch Marsh has also been brought in as cover for Stoinis, although the Australians have to technically rule the allrounder out. The Australians insist Marsh will be ready to handle the pressure should he also be called up for the semi final.

In 53 one-day internationals, Marsh has 1428 runs at 35.7, with one century, and 44 wickets at 35.54. His last ODI was against England in Perth in January last year. He was undefeated through four Australia A innings, making 40, 29, 53 and 4, while also claiming five wickets. The form of Smith and, to a greater degree, Maxwell and his inability to handle the short ball have become a problem, for too much has been left to too few in recent matches. Disregarding his century against England in the World Cup warm-up match, Smith had three half-centuries in his first five innings through the tournament but since his 73 against Sri Lanka he has scores of one (against Bangladesh), 38 (England), five (New Zealand) and seven (South Africa), at a time David Warner – who also spent a year suspended from the international arena – has been flourishing. Glenn Maxwell is dismissed by England's Mark Wood. Credit:AP

The raw statistics don't tell a clear tale but he has had opportunities to post a major score. Maxwell has been the quickest starter of any batsman in the tournament – he strikes at 195.45 in his first 15 deliveries – but has only 155 runs at 22.14 in nine innings and was again dismissed by a short ball against South Africa, mistiming a hook shot. Four times in nine innings here Maxwell has had his stay terminated care of the short ball. He mistimed a hook shot against West Indies saluter Sheldon Cottrell and was caught behind before he had scored, was caught behind attempting to glide a bouncer from Mark Wood to third man against England when on 12, and in the next match mistimed a pull shot off New Zealand quick James Neesham and was caught and bowled for one. Khawaja maintained a positive attitude at the team hotel upon scans confirming he had strained a hamstring. His immediate aim will be to regain fitness ahead of the Ashes opener at Edgbaston on August 1. "Hopefully, he'll be right. It's on the best part of a strain as you can get. It's nothing to do with his tendon, it's as good a strain as you can get basically," Langer said.