SYDNEY, (Reuters) – Mike Hussey was included in the final Australia squad for the World Cup today despite undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury, while his brother David has earned a first call-up for cricket’s showpiece event.
Hussey hurt his hamstring in the first of seven one-day internationals against England on Sunday and his place in the next three matches would be taken by left-handed opener Shaun Marsh, Cricket Australia said in a statement.
“Whilst the injury appeared to be minor at the time and soon after the game, scans have since revealed that he has avulsed one of the hamstring tendons from the attachment point at inner side of his knee,” Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.
“As such, Michael had corrective surgery today (Tuesday). The recovery time and availability for the World Cup will be dependent on his progress with the rehabilitation programme in the coming weeks.”
Hussey was one of Australia’s few successes in a disappointing Ashes series defeat to England and the side will be hoping he recovers in time to take his place in the 15-man squad.
Australia, who have won four of the nine World Cups, including the last three, will use the 14 remaining members of the squad named on Tuesday for the last six matches of the one-day series against England.
“(We have) selected a squad we believe is capable of winning a fourth successive World Cup in sub-continental conditions,” chief selector Andrew Hilditch said in a news release.
“It includes the experience of Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Brett Lee, and also some young talent like Steve Smith.
“Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin were all also part of the victorious 2007 squad that went unbeaten in the Caribbean, so there is plenty of character in this group of Australian cricketers.”
Off spinner Nathan Hauritz has been preferred to left-armer Xavier Doherty as the specialist spinner with David Hussey and Smith adding extra options.
Experienced campaigners Brett Lee and Shaun Tait have been joined in the pace bowling unit by Doug Bollinger, with Peter Siddle missing out.
HASTINGS IN
“Nathan Hauritz is our preferred spin option and his one-day record in India is excellent,” Hilditch added.
“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.”
All-rounder John Hastings, 25, who has played just two one-day internationals for Australia, managed to bag a spot in the 15-member squad.
“Victorian John Hastings has been selected as he adds variety to our bowling options,” Hilditch said.
“We feel his bowling is well suited to sub-continent conditions and his all-round skills with bat and ball add to the flexibility of the squad.”
Power batsman David Hussey had not played a one day international since 2009 when he was included in the side for the first match against England, which Australia won by six wickets.
The 33-year-old did not get a chance to bat, however, as Shane Watson guided the Australians to victory with an unbeaten 161.
“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,” Hilditch added.
The World Cup being co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from Feb. 19 to April 2.
Australia have been drawn in Group A for the opening stage along with Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Canada and Pakistan.
Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, Steve Smith, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
