Aussies gamble on star batsman's rapid recovery

Mike Hussey was included in the final 15-man Australia squad for the World Cup today only hours before undergoing surgery on a torn hamstring tendon in his left leg.

His brother David has also won a call-up for the tournament, which is being co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and starts on
19 February. Australia begin their defence of the title two days later against Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad.

The older Hussey was injured on Sunday during Australia's victory in the first of seven one-day internationals against England and his place in the next three games will be taken by left-handed opener Shaun Marsh.

"Michael's availability for the World Cup will be dependent on his progress with the rehabilitation programme in the coming weeks," Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

Hussey was one of Australia's few successes in their Ashes series defeat by England and they will be hoping he makes a rapid recovery.

Australia, who have won four of the nine World Cups, including the last three, will use the 14 remaining members of the squad for the last six limited-overs matches against England.

"We have selected a squad we believe are capable of winning a fourth successive World Cup in
sub-continental conditions," chief selector Andrew Hilditch said.