Victorian John Hastings has won a fast bowling berth in Australia's World Cup squad Source: Herald Sun
AUSTRALIA has named Mike Hussey in its 15-man World Cup squad despite a hamstring injury so severe it may require surgery.
Brett Lee’s dream of playing another World Cup after a number of serious injuries was realised when he was included along with another short game pace specialist, Shaun Tait.
A member of Australia’s victorious 2003 campaign in South Africa, Lee missed the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies because of a severe ankle injury. He was replaced by Tait, who was one of the leading wicket-takers.
Nathan Hauritz failed to play a Test this summer but has been recalled at the expense of one-day specialist spinner Xavier Doherty.
Hussey badly tore his hamstring during the opening match of the seven-game one-day series against England in Melbourne last Sunday.
Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch admitted a replacement may be required for Hussey depending on the mode of treatment.
Injured players can be replaced with the permission of the International Cricket Council once tomorrow’s deadline for naming the final 15 has passed.
A replacement player will be named for the remainder of the one-day series against England, with the favourites Shaun Marsh and Callum Ferguson.
Hussey is the second key batsman who will have his World Cup preparation severely interrupted.
Ricky Ponting is nursing a broken finger and will also miss the entire one-day series against England.
The tournament begins next month in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Australia has warm-up matches against South Africa and India before its opening match against Zimbabwe on February 21.
Hilditch claimed that one of the major decisions was ensuring the balance of the squad was right to provide the best cover for all positions in the event of injury, illness or form issues.
“Nathan Hauritz is our preferred spin option and his one-day record in India is excellent. He will be an important part of our bid for this fourth World Cup.
“Doug Bollinger has also been a strong performer for us in one-day cricket in India in recent times and we expect him to have a big impact on the tournament.
“Victorian John Hastings has been selected as he adds variety to our bowling options. We feel his bowling is well suited to subcontinent conditions and his all-round skills with bat and ball add to the flexibility of the squad.
“David Hussey has been selected on the back of years of excellent interstate performances in all forms of the game and we feel he will play a crucial role for us in sub-continental conditions and also has the ability to bowl important overs.
“Victorian Cameron White is very important to us in the middle order and he has the ability to dominate with bat.
“Tim Paine richly deserves his selection giving as he provides a second wicket-keeping option and is also an excellent option for any top order batting position.”
The squad is:
Ricky Ponting (c) TAS 36
Michael Clarke (vc) NSW 29
Doug Bollinger NSW 29
Brad Haddin NSW 33
John Hastings VIC 25
Nathan Hauritz NSW 29
David Hussey VIC 33
Mike Hussey WA 35
Mitchell Johnson WA 29
Brett Lee NSW 34
Tim Paine TAS 26
Steve Smith NSW 21
Shaun Tait SA 27
Shane Watson NSW 29
Cameron White VIC 27
Australia – Group A Match Schedule – ICC Cricket World Cup 2011
21 Feb v Zimbabwe, Ahmedabad
25 Feb v New Zealand, Nagpur
5 March v Sri Lanka, Colombo
13 March v Kenya, Bangalore
16 March v Canada, Bangalore
19 March v Pakistan, Colombo
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