Veteran all-rounder Shane Watson has been squeezed out for Australia’s World Cup clash with Afghanistan at the WACA Ground.

Fans at the WACA burst into applause when Afghanistan won the toss and resisted the temptation to bat first, with the move giving Australia’s batsmen a chance to spend long stints at the crease.

James Faulkner has been named to play after recovering from a side tear, with Watson the man forced to make way.

Watson had been under pressure to hold his spot after posting scores of 0 and 23 this tournament, and the return of Faulkner was enough for the axe to fall.

Watson’s axing means fellow all-rounder Mitch Marsh held his spot.

Paceman Josh Hazlewood was brought in for Pat Cummins, who is battling a side strain.

Star batsman Steve Smith retained his spot despite copping a knock to his left hand at training on Tuesday.

Australia sit in fourth spot in Pool A following their washout against Bangladesh and one-wicket loss to New Zealand.

Afghanistan beat Scotland last week, and they were also competitive in a four-wicket loss to Sri Lanka.

Australia: Michael Clarke (capt), James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.

Afghanistan: Mohammad Nabi (capt), Afsar Zazai, Asghar Stanikzai, Dawlat Zadran, Hamid Hassan, Javed Ahmadi, Najibullah Zadran, Nawroz Mangal, Samiullah Shenwari, Shapoor Zadran, Usman Ghani.