Defending champions Australia are grappling with injury concerns to three key players, including captain Aaron Finch, who is uncertain to lead the side in their crucial T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan on Friday.

Finch, Tim David and Marcus Stoinis suffered hamstring injuries during Australia’s 42- run win over Ireland at Brisbane on Monday.

Finch batted for all but 19 balls of Australia’s innings for his 63 and then took the field for the Irish innings, before coming off in discomfort after a sprint. While all-rounders David and Stoinis did not take the field during Ireland’s innings.

Finch underwent a fitness test here on Wednesday, doing a series of run-throughs and stretches of his hamstring, watched by team fitness staff and chief selector George Bailey.

If Finch is ruled out of the game, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade will captain Australia against Afghanistan.

Young all-rounder Cameron Green could replace Finch as opener if the captain is ruled out.

Australia need to beat Afghanistan on Friday to have a shot at qualifying for the semi-finals.

The all-important Net Run Rate (NRR) that could decide whether they qualify for the semi-finals lifted to -0.304 after the win against Ireland, but is still below England (0.239) and New Zealand (2.233).

All the three teams are currently on five points after playing four matches.

Bailey instruction

Australia must put the foot down in pursuit of victory against Afghanistan and not worry about the other external factors, Bailey said.

“The first port of call is making sure you set yourself up to win the game and play well enough to do that,” Bailey said. “There’s a lot that remains out of your control, Ithink (we need to go) in flexible, open-minded. We’ve got ateam that’s got talent, that ifthey have to put the foot downand do something specialthey’ve got it in them.”

“No doubt we’ll be aware ofcertain permutations. There’s a lot that’s out of our controlgiven the fact that England play Sri Lanka after our game anyway.”