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Aussies forced to
have two keepers for World Cup |
February 13, 2007
 Defending
Champions, Australia have been forced to name
two specialist wicket keepers in their 15-man
squad for the World Cup. Brad Haddin has been
named as the back-up for Adam Gilchrist, who is
going to stay back in Australia with his wife
expected to deliver his third child next month.
The Aussies have also picked the
injured Andrew Symonds, who would take time for
his operated shoulder to heel. The ICC had
stated that Symonds could be named in the squad
and if he cannot regain his fitness then a
replacement player would be allowed. Australia's
new express fast bowler - Shaun Tait has forced
his way into the team. Stuart Clark has been
ignored and so is Cameron White.
Among the batsmen, young Brad
Hodge has earned his place following his superb
performances in the recently concluded CB
Series. The Aussies also have the upcoming
Mitchell Johnson in a squad that is dominated by
pacemen. Chinaman bowler, Brad Hogg is the lone
specialist spinner if at all Symonds is ruled
out.
Australia is currently touring New Zealand for a
3-ODI Series. Ricky Ponting has been rested for
this tour along with Adam Gilchrist. Michael
Hussey will be leading the team for the first
time. Opportunities have been given to the
uncapped Adam Vogues, a top order batsman,
Cameron White and Phil Jaques who would be the
back-up for Michael Clarke, who is doubtful with
a hip injury.
 Adam
Gilchrist might miss the first three weeks of
the tournament due to his wife's pregnancy. Brad
Haddin, his replacement is certainly an exciting
batsman who had performed quite well in the
limited opportunities he had got like in the DLF
Cup in Kuala Lumpur. The Aussies fly out of
Sydney to the Caribbean on the 28th of this
month. They are placed in Group A along with
South Africa and minnows - Netherlands and
Scotland. Their first game is against Scotland
on the second day of the tournament at St.
Kitts.
Australia World Cup Squad :
Ricky Ponting
(Captain),
Adam Gilchrist
(Wicket Keeper),
Matthew Hayden,
Michael Clarke,
Brad Hodge,
Andrew Symonds,
Michael Hussey,
Brad Haddin
(Wicket Keeper),
Shane Watson,
Brett Lee,
Brad Hogg,
Mitchell Johnson,
Nathan Bracken,
Glenn McGrath,
Shaun Tait
Update on February 23 :
Brett Lee
ruled out of World Cup
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