Michael Hussey and Nathan Hauritz to miss World Cup
Australia's World Cup preparations suffered a major blow after it was revealed that two of their key players, Michael Hussey and Nathan Hauritz, would miss the mega event. Both players were part of the 15-member squad for the World Cup, but Cricket Australia
(CA) has applied to exclude their names from the list.
The duo sustained injuries during the One Day International (ODI) series against England. Hussey suffered a hamstring injury and had to undergo surgery, but the veteran player will not be able to recover in time for the World Cup, which starts from 19 February.
On the other hand, Hauritz had a dislocated shoulder, which cost the off-spinner a chance to represent his country in the World Cup.
The injuries will provide an opportunity for Callum Ferguson and Jason Krejza, who will be the replacements for the mega event. However, the pair wasn’t the selectors first choice, as Shaun Marsh and Xavier Doherty were set to replace the injured players.
However, injury problems continued to hurt Australian cricket, and their first choice replacements also sustained injuries during the ODI series against England.
The Chairman of Selectors for Australia, Andrew Hilditch stated, “"The National Selection Panel has received a full briefing from CA medical staff. Based on the medical advice an application is being made to the ICC to replace both players in the World Cup
squad.”
While some key players will miss the World Cup, others are recovering in time to represent their country.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who sustained a finger injury during the Ashes series has started practice, and is all set to lead his team in the mega tournament which starts in 11 days time.
Wicketkeeper batsman Brad Haddin had a knee problem but is also expected to recover soon. All-rounder Steve Smith suffered a groin injury during the sixth match of the ODI series, but his injury is also not of a serious nature and he will be ready for the
World Cup.
Australia and England will have to schedule their future programs very carefully. Both teams have suffered numerous injury problems to key players, and the main reason for that is considered to be England’s hectic three-month tour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, which ended
just a few days prior to the World Cup.
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