‘Wicketless’ Hauritz unlikely starter for opening T20 WC tie against Pakistan

St.LUCIA - Australian off-spinner Nathan Hauritz’s chances of playing Sunday’s opening Twenty20 World Cup game against Pakistan have dimmed significantly after he failed to gain momentum and went wicketless in both the warm-up games.

Australia’s only centrally contracted spinner, Hauritz, played for the Windward Islands side against his Australian teammates, in order to give him a greater bowling challenge, but could not break through and finished with 0-34 from three overs.

Having also failed to take a wicket against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, Hauritz is likely to be left out of the opening game despite the slowness of the pitch, The Sydney Morning reports.

It is believed that skipper Michael Clarke would rely on himself along with Steve Smith and part-time spinner David Hussey, who all picked up wickets in both the games.

Hauritz has however been adamant that he can be a match winner on the slow Beausejour Cricket Ground pitch for Sunday’s game.

“I think I could play a massive role. I think all the spinners could play a massive role. We’ll have to wait and see,” Hauritz said.

“The wicket is going to suit their spinners as well. It would be great to get that opportunity to play. It would be good to play on that wicket,” he added. (ANI)