Updated at: 1041 PST, Tuesday, February 08, 2011
SYDNEY: Veteran batsman Mike Hussey and spinner Nathan Hauritz have been forced out of Australia's World Cup squad by injury.
They will be replaced in the 15-man squad by young South Australian batsman Callum Ferguson and Tasmanian tweaker Jason Krejza.
Hussey was ruled out with a hamstring tendon injury and Hauritz by a shoulder dislocation, with selectors deciding it was not worth taking the risk with players below full fitness.
"The NSP (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 of 15 from the first game," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.Hilditch said Krejza, who made his one-day international debut against England at the WACA on Sunday, would be helped by having previously played in India.He took 12 wickets in his Test debut in India in 2008, but after playing one more Test later that year, had not represented Australia again until Sunday."Jason toured India with the Australian Test team in 2008 and understands those conditions. We're certain he'll be a key member of our squad," Hilditch said.He said 26-year-old Ferguson, who averages 44 in his 28 previous one-day internationals, was picked on the basis of his past performances for Australia."Callum has an excellent record in one-day international cricket and played well in the one-day game against England in Sydney recently," he said."We think he'll play well in subcontinental conditions."The Australian squad departs for India on Wednesday night.Hilditch said in-form West Australian batsman Shaun Marsh (hamstring strain) and left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty (back injury) were not considered as replacements due to their own injury concerns.In brighter news, team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said other squad members who had been under slight injury clouds were progressing well."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."Kountouris said wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin's knee became swollen after being struck while batting during the final one-dayer against England on Sunday, but that was expected to heal quickly.Likewise, leg-spinning all-rounder Steve Smith was making good progress after straining a groin muscle at the SCG last Wednesday.
