Hussey doubtful for World Cup

SYDNEY - Australian batsman Michael Hussey is doubtful for the World Cup as he suffered a hamstring tear during the One-Day win against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Sunday.

The selectors will meet here Tuesday to declare the 15-member squad for the mega event in the sub-continent beginning Feb 19.

Hussey’s left hamstring examination has revealed the left-hander has ripped part of a tendon off the bone high near the gluteus muscle under his buttocks. Recovery expectations will range from four to six weeks, with the World Cup starting in the sub-continent in the middle of next month.

Hussey and skipper Ricky Ponting, who is recovering from surgery to the broken bone in the little finger on his left hand, are both likely to be unfit for the start of the six-week tournament.

Australias selectors must decide whether Hussey and Ponting will both return to full fitness during the World Cup title defence to resume playing somewhere into the six-week tournament.

Australia plays warm-up games against India February 13 and then South Africa two days later in Bangalore.

The reigning champions then open their tournament against Zimbabwe February 21 and then New Zealand four days later.

Doubts on Hussey could open way for a recall to out-of-favour left-hander Shaun Marsh to bolster Australia’s batting in the final squad.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine will also be seriously considered as a batting specialist and as the back-up gloveman to Brad Haddin.