Michael Hussey joins http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 World Cup squad, to replace Doug Bollinger
Veteran batsmen Michael Hussey has been called up to join Australia’s squad for the ICC World Cup, 2011 as a replacement for the injured Doug Bollinger. The decision means that Hussey is now a full member of the squad and will be available for Australia's
next match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kenya-c752.
Dirk Nannes is also joining the team as a stand-by player who will be available and acclimatized in the event of an injury to a fast bowler, while John Hastings is already with the squad as a back-up.
Hussey was initially named in the 15-member World Cup squad but was left out due to a hamstring injury. Hussey made his comeback in a Sheffield Shield match at WACA during the weekend, and managed scores of only 19 and 11, but importantly got through the
match unscathed.
The Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said that Hussey’s experience and ability against spin will be critical in Australia’s World Cup defence.
“Michael has successfully recovered from major hamstring surgery and is seen as someone who is capable of assisting Australia as we strive to win this tournament,” he said.
Hussey is a phenomenal left-handed batsman who can be very handy in the later part of innings due to his ability to play match winning innings. Hussey is one of only two batsmen to boast an average over 50 and a strike rate over 85 in ODIs. Hussey has played
151 one-dayers for Australia so far in which he scored 2269 runs with 33 fifties and a couple of centuries.
The 35-year old is keen to make up for lost time.
“It's up to the selectors about when I am going to play, I would love to be in the next match if possible,” he said.
Hussey is a likely bet to go straight into the starting XI. Cameron White and David Hussey are potential candidates to lose their place in the lineup to make way for Hussey.
Hussey inclusion is likely to strengthen the Kangaroos’ batting line-up against spinners. The defending champions have won their first two matches against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 ended in a draw after
their meeting was washed out by rain.
The Kangaroos will face Kenya on 13 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/March-c74391, 2011.
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