Hussey, Hauritz out of World Cup

Despite finishing runner-up in the recent Allan Border medal, Hussey now misses out on the World Cup [GALLO/GETTY]

Australia began their preparations for the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup without batsman Mike Hussey and spinner Nathan Hauritz, who were both ruled out through injury on Tuesday.

Captain Ricky Ponting, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and all rounder Steve Smith, however, have recovered sufficiently from injury to depart for India with the 15-man squad on Wednesday.

Hussey and Hauritz, two of Australia’s key one-day specialists in recent seasons, were victims of a management decision to start the Australian campaign with a fully fit squad.

The national selection panel “has determined that the best strategy to ensure a successful campaign is for Australia to enter the tournament with a fully fit squad,” chief selector Andrew Hilditch said.

Slow recovery

Both Hussey and Haurtiz underwent surgery in bids to be fit for the World Cup, although their chances of recovering in time were never high.

Cricket Australia announced that Hussey had not recovered from a torn hamstring and Hauritz had not recovered after dislocating his right shoulder in a one-day match against England last month.

Callum Ferguson and spin bowler Jason Krejza have been drafted into the squad as last-minute replacements.

Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris had better news about the other three players on the injury list, including Ponting who fractured a finger in the Melbourne Test against England.

“Ricky Ponting is going well in his rehabilitation following his finger fracture,” he said.

“He is batting regularly and is expected to transition into unrestricted training soon after the
team arrives in India.

“Brad Haddin was struck on the knee whilst batting during the seventh ODI against England. During the batting innings the knee became swollen. We expect this to resolve soon after we arrive in India.

“Steve Smith is making very good progress from the groin injury he sustained in the sixth ODI against England.”

Limited choices

Xavier Doherty and batsman Shaun Marsh were not considered as replacements for Hussey and Hauritz because of injury, according to Hilditch.

Australian team

Ricky Ponting (c) Shane Watson Brad Haddin Michael Clarke Callum Ferguson David Hussey Cameron White Tim Paine Steven Smith John Hastings Mitchell Johnson Jason Krejza Brett Lee Shaun Tait Doug Bollinger

Doherty’s back injury made way for Krejza to make an unlikely one-day international debut in the final match against England in Perth on Sunday, where he took 2-53.

The 28-year-old off-spinner did, however, take 8-215 on his Test debut against India in Nagpur in November 2008.

“Jason toured India with the Australian Test team in 2008 and understands those conditions,” added Hilditch.

“We’re certain he’ll be a key member of our squad.”

Ferguson has more experience of one-dayers but was also handed his chance when Marsh injured his hamstring.

“Callum has an excellent record in one-day international cricket and played well in the one-day game against England in Sydney recently,” said Hilditch of the 26-year-old, who has averaged 44 runs over 28 one-dayers.

The three-time defending champions Australia will play warm-up matches against India and South Africa before their opening World Cup match against Zimbabwe at Ahmedabad on February 21.