Cricket Australia

Andrew Hilditch along with his panelists chose the Australian squad for the upcoming extravaganza “ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2011”, which starts from February 19^th.

Ricky Ponting who was left out of the first one dayer against England due to his finger injury has been named the captain for the team. Some were doubting the fact whether the 36 year old veteran would be considered for the mega event owing to his bad form in the Ashes .

However with the faith shown by the selectors Ponting would be quite confident of winning Australia’s fifth World Cup out of the ten and become the fourth consecutive Champion’s.

There were serious doubts with the fate of Michael Hussey, who is undergoing surgery for his hamstring injury. However the selectors announced the 35 year old cricketer’s name in the squad following his fairly good form against Australia.

The selectors chose to keep six other players from the previous World Cup which Australia won comprehensively. The list includes Michael Clarke (Vice Captain), Brad Haddin, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Tait and the recently in-form Shane Watson.

David Hussey who has performed considerably well in the sub-continent, during the IPL seasons, has also been named in the squad. His presence not only supports the middle order but also gives Australia an extra-spinning option.

Cameron White who has been doing pretty well lower down the order has also been named in the squad. Tim Paine, who has been chosen as the extra wicket-keeper, also provides the Australian’s the option of a good pinch hitter lower down the order.

It goes without saying that since the World Cup is in the sub-continent, most of the team’s are going in with at least two specialist spinners. Thus Australians have gone in with leggie Nathan Hauritz and a relatively new campaigner Steve Smith.

The fast bowling department has been filled with experienced players like Shaun Tait, Brett Lee, Johnson and Doug Bollinger.

The selectors have also put in John Hastings in the team to add some youth to the setup. Australia shall be maintaining this very squad in the coming six matches against England.

The Australian’s already having won the first of the seven ODI’s , have set the momentum for themselves.

What remains to be seen is that can they continue their form, not only in this series but also into the World Cup?

Tags: Andrew Hilditch, Australia, Cricket, Cricket Australia, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Ricky Ponting, World Cup