Australia's Peter Handscomb has been confirmed as a replacement for injured top-order batsman Shaun Marsh in their Cricket World Cup squad, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Thursday.

Marsh, 35, was struck on the wrist by a rising Pat Cummins delivery in a net session at Old Trafford earlier on Thursday, in front of their last group game against South Africa on Saturday.

"The ICC has affirmed that the Event Technical Committee of the Cricket World Cup has endorsed Peter Handscomb as a replacement player for Shaun Marsh in the Australia squad for the rest of the competition," the ICC said in an announcement.

"Swamp has endured a break to his lower arm which will require medical procedure subsequent to being struck while rehearsing in the nets today."

All-rounder Glenn Maxwell was likewise hit on the lower arm by a Mitchell Starc conveyance however mentor Justin Langer was idealistic about his odds of playing on Saturday.

"Glenn Maxwell also underwent scans after he was struck on his right forearm in the nets," Langer said in a statement.

"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."

Handscomb, 28, has played 21 one-day internationals for Australia, with a century and four fifties to his name.

"Pete is a like-for-like player, as far as batting in the middle order, and he performed very well for us during our ongoing visits in India and the UAE (United Arab Emirates)," Langer included.

Australia, who lead the standings, have already sealed a semi-final spot.