Injuries sour Hussey, Hauritz's World Cup dream

Injured batsman Mike Hussey and spinner Nathan Hauritz were ruled out of Australia's World Cup squad on the eve of its departure for the subcontinent.

Injured batsman Mike Hussey and spinner Nathan Hauritz were ruled out of Australia's World Cup squad on the eve of its departure for the subcontinent. Cricket Australia announced on Tuesday that Hussey had not overcome a torn hamstring and first-choice spinner Hauritz had not recovered after dislocating his right shoulder in a one-day match against England last month.

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Both players underwent surgery in bids to be fit for the World Cup, although their chances of recovering in time for the start of the tournament were never high. Hussey conceded he likely would have been unavailable for the first two matches anyway. The loss of 35-year-old middle-order batsman is a big blow to Australia, considering he was one of only two batsmen in form during the Ashes series loss to England and averages almost 52 in 151 ODIs, regularly forced into the role of salvaging an innings. Callum Ferguson and spin bowler Jason Krejza were drafted into the 15-man squad, which is due to leave Wednesday for India. Besides, Ponting is recovering from a broken finger. Other potential squad members Shaun Marsh and spinner Xavier Doherty weren't considered due to injuries.