Cricket Australia

As the World Cup is imminent, Team Australia’s worries have shifted from players’ form to players’ fitness issues. The team’s most dependable batsman Michael Hussey underwent a surgery recently to reattach a hamstring tendon to his left knee. Though physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said the extent of injury will be assessed soon, the Australian cricket officials are wary of the selection and the replacement regulations before picking up the World Cup squad. Alex also told that Hussey might join the squad later after the World Cup begins incase he is a doubtful starter.

Adding to their agonies Nathan Hauritz dislocated his shoulder in the second one-day game against England. The off-spinner was overlooked while picking a team for the Ashes due to his form in the longer formats. He was recalled to the squad after Doherty’s inept bowling performance in the Ashes. Alex Kountouris said that Hauritz will undergo an arthroscopic surgery in his shoulder. He added that Hauritz will also undergo a period of intense rehabilitation and make every effort to make himself available for the ICC World Cup.

Though not a first choice player in the eleven especially in the subcontinent conditions, Shaun Tait is also a doubtful starter, as the injury-prone fast bowler is suffering from a thigh strain in the recent past. All the three have been named in the squad picked for the World Cup. The defending champions and the four time title winners are to play their first game on February 21 against Zimbabwe.

Australia squad for World Cup: Brad Haddin (wk), Brett Lee, Cameron White, David Hussey, John Hastings, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Ricky Ponting (capt), Shane Watson, Shaun Tait, Doug Bollinger, Steven Smith, Tim Paine (wk)

Tags: Cricket, Cricket Australia, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Michael Hussey, Nathan Hauritz, Team Australia, World Cup