… M. Hussey, Hauritz ruled out
AUSTRALIA has signed off on an injury-cursed World Cup squad and Mike Hussey’s one-day career.
Hussey, the only Australian batsman in the top 10 international one-day rankings, is “shattered” by his exclusion from the squad and, at 35, faces the end of his 50-over journey. As expected, off-spinner Nathan Hauritz failed to recover from a dislocated shoulder.
Last-gasp reinforcements – middle-order batsman Callum Ferguson and off-spinner Jason Krejza – will be thrust into key roles in subcontinent conditions that will suit them.
Hussey (hamstring) was hoping for similar leeway to that afforded Andrew Symonds, who made a belated appearance at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean after recovering from a bicep tear.
Instead, selectors ruled out Hussey along the same lines that cost Brett Lee (ankle) a 2007 World Cup start.
They wanted to take just one player with fitness concerns to the tournament: skipper Ricky Ponting (finger).
“Based on the medical advice, an application is being made to the ICC to replace both players (Hussey, Hauritz) in the World Cup squad,” chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said yesterday.
“The selection panel has determined that the best strategy to ensure a successful campaign is for Australia to enter the tournament with a fully fit squad of 15 from the first game.”
“Callum has an excellent record in one-day international cricket. We think he’ll play well in subcontinental  conditions.
“Jason toured India with the Australian Test team in 2008 and understands those conditions.”
Brad Haddin (knee), Ponting and Smith (groin) are expected to be fit for Australia’s first game against Zimbabwe on February 21. (Herald Sun)