Michael Hussey and Nathan Hauritz out of ICC World Cup 2011
World Champions Australia have been dealt a severe blow, just a day before flying to India for the World Cup. Their most reliable and most consistent batsman, Michael Hussey and off spinner Nathan Haurtiz, have been ruled out of the world cup due to injuries.
There were already some doubts on whether Hussey would be able to recover in time or not, as he did not take part in the ODI series against England. Michael Hussey also known as Mr. Cricket had ruptured a hamstring during the test series, and was working hard to get fit in time to make the flight to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750.
Michael Hussey’s absence in the world cup would be a huge blow for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, who are looking to win their 4th consecutive World Cup. Since coming into the team in 2005, Michael Hussey has established himself as the most reliable batsman. Hussey is one of the few players who have managed to maintain the same level of performance, in all 3 formats of the game. Michael Hussey was also the only shining star in the dismal Ashes campaign for Australia, and managed to score more than 500 runs in the series.
On the other hand Off Spinner Nathan Hauritz had an awkward fall, while trying to save a boundary in the 2nd ODI against England. Hauritz dislocated his shoulder, and it was believed that he would recover in time. He has even started to bowl in the nets. However, later scans revealed that he would be needing surgery on his shoulder and would not be able to travel with the team.
Michael Hussey is one player who just cannot be replaced, but still Australians feel confident that they would be able to adjust without him. Callum Ferguson has been named as replacement for Hussey, while Jason Krejza has been named as the replacement for Nathan Hauritz.
Ricky Ponting the Australian captain, is also on a road to recovery following his finger injury in the test series. The right hander is believed to be finally fit and ready for action.
The 36-year-old middle order batsman was forced out of the final Ashes test against England, following the broken finger. However, Ponting believes that he will not have any problems because of his finger and would take full part in the World Cup.
"It's a lot better now than it was last week," said Ponting. "I've been back in the nets this week.
"I've had three good hits, so it's actually probably a bit further advanced than I thought it would be."
Australian cricket board had sent an official request to International Cricket Council’s technical Committee, asking them to replace Michael Hussey and Nathan Hauritz with Callum Ferguson and Jason Krekza in the 15 man squad for the World Cup.
Krejza played in India in Australia’s last tour, but only in test matches. After that he was sidelined and did not get a chance to get back in the team. It was only last week that he was recalled in the national team set up and made his debut in the final One Day international against England. Xavier Doherty was the backup spinner in the 30 man squad, but he is also suffering from a back problem. Krejza would hardly be able to believe his luck, after being 3rd in line to play in the World Cup. The off spinner managed to make his debut and now would be on the plane to India where he made his test debut.
Tags: