Hussey hoping for late Cup call-up

Windies look ahead to brighter days.

SYDNEY: Mike Hussey was hoping for a late World Cup call-up after recovering from an injury which made him a shock omission from Australia’s squad.

Hussey, who expressed dismay at being left out, said he was fit again after recuperating from a hamstring tear.

“I’m over my injury and will be ready if the selectors give me the call,” he wrote on the Fox Sports website. “I’m really confident and feel I am on right on track.”

Hussey’s hopes have been raised after an ankle injury ruled Doug Bollinger out but selectors have said they will not name a replacement until the tournament’s later stages.

‘Glory days will return for West Indies’

Former West Indies captain Richie Richardson said he looked forward to another era of Caribbean domination in cricket, saying the journey had already begun.

“The glory days will be back soon,” said Richardson. “I can’t forget when we dominated the world. I’m confident we’ll get there because we’re on the right path.”

Kapil backs India’s bowlers, captain

Kapil Dev batted for India’s under-fire bowlers after they almost let England run away with the game.

India piled up 338 but the bowlers were exposed on a flat track, allowing England to squeeze out a thrilling tie. Their bowling was also found wanting against Bangladesh who almost touched the 300-run mark.

“Our bowling was not up to the standards,” said Dev. “But if our bowlers have fared poorly in these matches, it doesn’t mean that they’re not good. These bowlers have won many matches for India. So I really don’t want to criticise them.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2011.