Don’t know why selectors didn’t give Hussey more time: Ponting

SYDNEY - Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting Wednesday described injured middle-order batsman Michael Hussey’s axing from the World Cup squad as a “huge loss” and said he was not sure why selectors did not give the southpaw more time to regain fitness.

Ponting, who is himself recovering from a finger injury, suggested that one reason the selectors did not pick Hussey was that they wanted maximum fit players for the mega-event starting Feb 19. His comments come after Hussey expressed disappointment on not being given enough time to prove his fitness.

The lone specialist spinner Nathan Hauritz too was ruled out Tuesday due to a shoulder injury.

“I actually do not know why Hussey was not given more time,” Ponting was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

“I’m not sure if the selectors have answered that question today or yesterday either, but I know what the selectors had spoken about - they wanted to have as many fit guys ready to go for the start of the tournament as possible.

“I think the medicos were not entirely sure or convinced when Michael’s injury was going to come right. Just the uncertainty around his recovery time was the main reason he was not selected.”

Ponting said the experienced lefthander will be dearly missed during the World Cup.

“He is a massive loss to our group,” he said. “He is a class player in this form of the game. A very experienced player, a leader around our group.”