Australia rely on pace for Cup

Lee, Tait included in 15-man squad. Ponting named captain, but is still recovering from broken finger.

SYDNEY: Defending champions Australia unveiled their squad for next month’s World Cup, banking on the fitness of a pair of injury-prone pacemen and elder statesmen Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey.

Brett Lee and Shaun Tait were both included in the 15-man squad. Ponting was named captain, but is still recovering from a broken finger.

By selecting Lee and Tait, as well as erratic duo Mitchell Johnson and Doug Bollinger, Australia will rely heavily on their pace bowlers. Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said the squad was “perfectly balanced”.

Inexperienced all-rounder John Hastings and David Hussey were included in the final 15. Promising wicket-keeper Tim Paine was selected while Xavier Doherty was overlooked in favour of Nathan Hauritz. Peter Siddle was the surprise omission despite his good Ashes performance.

Squad: Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, Steve Smith, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

Hussey undergoes surgery

Michael Hussey underwent surgery on an injured hamstring but was still named in Australia’s World Cup squad. Although Hussey, who tore a hamstring tendon, has been advised rest, selectors still included him in the final 15.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th,  2011.