ICC World Cup 2011: Australia announce final 15
Australian selectors have chosen the 15-man squad to represent the country in the ICC World Cup 2011.
There are no real surprises in the line-up. Ricky Ponting has been retained as the captain despite his injury as he is expected to recover in time for the tournament.
Exclusion of only two men, Peter Siddle and Xavier Doherty, is perhaps questionable but it is a decision which was expected. The selectors have also opted for the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Victoria-c859 all-rounder John Hastings.
On Hastings’ selection, the chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said, “Hastings has been selected as he adds variety to our bowling options. We feel his bowling is well suited to subcontinent conditions and his all-round skills with bat and ball add to the flexibility of the squad.”
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 have also decided to include the injured Michael Hussey in the squad. Hussey’s participation in the World Cup is clouded by uncertainty after he underwent a hamstring surgery.
The left-handed batsmen picked up the injury while batting in the first One Day International against England on Sunday. If Hussey fails to recover for the tournament, the Australian selectors have the option of replacing the middle-order batsman with someone else.
Australia have also taken a gamble by selecting both Brett Lee and Shaun Tait. Both players have just recovered from elbow injuries and it was speculated that only one of the two players will be chosen. Mitchell Johnson and Doug Bollinger are the other fast bowling options with in-form Shane Watson and newcomer Hastings as support bowlers.
Australia’s premier spin bowler in the World Cup will be Nathan Hauritz. Hilditch said, “Nathan is our preferred spin option and his one-day record in India is excellent.” However, a glance at his record in the country reveals the contrary. The spinner has managed only 4 wickets from seven matches with an average of 70.75 in the country.
Hauritz will be supported by part-time spinners Steven Smith and David Hussey. Even though David Hussey played his first ODI game after almost a year on Sunday against England, he was included for his hard-hitting abilities.
The World Cup is due to begin in just over a month’s time on 19 February, 2011 in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Zimbabwe-c3045 on 21 February.
Australia squad: Shane http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Cameron White, Tim Paine (wicketkeeper), Steven Smith, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Doug Bollinger.
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