Cricket Update: Australian Skipper Ponting hopeful for the World Cup 2011, while Hussey in doubt
Ricky Ponting, the premier Australian batsman, who is suffering from a finger injury, is hopeful that he will get back into the side just before the upcoming ICC World Cup that is going to be played in the Subcontinent, next month. Meanwhile, the middle
order batsman Michael Hussey is doubtful because of a serious hamstring tear.
On the contrary, both the players are named in the 15-man squad, as they can play a vital role in Australian’s defence of their World Cup title. Ponting has led his side in two consecutive triumphs, while Hussey was part of the winning side in 2007.
Hussey injured himself during the first One-day International match against England and will be out of action for the next six weeks. However, the home side trounced the visitors by a significant margin of 6 wickets, chasing down a mammoth target of 295
runs.
Andrew Hilditch said, "It's quite a severe hamstring injury. It's obviously something we'll need to assess before the team departs."
The chairman of selectors added, He's still deciding the best medical management, it's just happened at a bad time.
"Obviously Mike's a key player of our squad so he's in this squad, but a final decision whether he's going to be fit or not will be made closer to our departure date."
Ricky has no such doubts over his return to the Australian colours ahead of the Cricket’s global tournament. He has said that he will be fit and will play a significant role for his team in defence of their title.
The Australian master broke his finger during the second Ashes Test in Adelaide, but he continued to lead his team in the next two games. In addition, the finger injury got worse in the fourth Test and he was ruled out for the entire season.
Ponting said, "I'm hoping to be right for the start of the World Cup. My finger's coming along okay, I guess. I haven't been able to do anything for the last couple of weeks post-surgery, but I've got a bit more movement now."
Currently, Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 might have lost the urn, but still they are the number one ranked side in the ICC rankings.
In the end, the selection committee will be keen to get these key players back in the playing eleven. The defending champions will head to the subcontinent as one of the favourites to win the Cricket’s marquee event.
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