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Tasmanian tweaker Jason Krejza has received a World Cup call-up just two days after his one-day international debut, as injuries wiped Mike Hussey and Nathan Hauritz from Australia’s squad.
South Australian batsman Callum Ferguson was the other inclusion, with selectors opting against punting on Hussey (hamstring) and Hauritz (shoulder) regaining fitness during the tournament.
But captain Ricky Ponting (finger), wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin (knee) and leg-spinning all-rounder Steve Smith (groin) will all fly out for the subcontinent on Wednesday night and are expected to make complete recoveries before the Cup begins.
“The NSP (national selection panel) has determined that the best strategy to ensure a successful campaign is for Australia to enter the tournament with a fully fit squad of 15 from the the first game,” chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.
While 26-year-old Ferguson, who averages 44 from 28 previous one-day internationals, was delighted to be en route to his first World Cup, he acknowledged 35-year-old Hussey’s cool head in the middle order would be missed.
“It’s unfortunate for Australian cricket he’s not available for this World Cup because he’s such a fantastic player and has such a great record in India,” Ferguson said.
Hussey’s omission means only six players from the 15-man squad that delivered Australia their third straight World Cup in the West Indies in 2007 will be on hand to attempt a fourth.
Krejza was the beneficiary of both NSW off-spinner Hauritz and Tasmanian teammate Xavier Doherty (back) being declared unavailable.
It was another painful selection blow for Hauritz, who was also dumped from Australia’s Test squad ahead of the Ashes.
Krejza’s impressive Test debut in India in 2008 was cited as a factor in his selection.
The 28-year-old took 12 wickets in that match, but after playing one more Test that year, did not represent Australia again until Sunday, when he took 2-53 against England in his one-day international debut.
He admitted his rapid rise in Australia’s one-day ranks “came in a bit of a rush”.
“It’s surprised me, I’ve just got to make the most of it, I’m not trying to get too far ahead of myself.”
Ferguson said his call-up was a dream realised.
“I can’t wait to get over there, having watched so many World Cups on TV and watching Darren Lehmann hit the winning runs in (the 1999) final, that sort of sticks in my mind and it’s something that I’d love to be a part of, a winning World Cup.”
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