BANGALORE – Australia all-rounder Shane Watson believes the call-up of Michael Hussey is “brilliant” news for the defending champions as they chase a fourth straight World Cup title and fifth in all. Veteran batsman Hussey, 35, was named in Australia’s original 15-man squad but then dropped because of a hamstring injury that needed surgery. However, he has since recovered and the Western Australia left-hander has got his chance after being summoned to the sub-continent as a replacement for injured fast bowler Doug Bollinger.
Hussey’s inclusion will bolster Australia’s ability to play spin bowling and he is also a noted ‘finisher’ of a one-day innings, being particularly adept at rebuilding following the loss of early wickets. “It’s brilliant,” said Watson on Tuesday. “I was hoping Mike would come over. “It’s going to give us a huge boost to have someone of his calibre flying in to be a part of our squad and with a very big chance of playing immediately as well.”
Hussey was due to join the squad late on Tuesday local time. Australia have had to endure an extraordinary schedule at this World Cup, being co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. They had to wait eight days to play Sri Lanka last weekend, only for the match to be a no-result washout, and now face a seven-day break before facing Kenya at Bangalore’s Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. But they then return to the same ground three days later to take on Canada.
