Hussey hurt his hamstring in the first of seven one-day
internationals against England on Sunday and his place in the next three
matches would be taken by left handed opener Shaun Marsh, Cricket Australia
said in a statement.
"Whilst the injury appeared to be minor at the time and
soon after the game, scans have since revealed that he has avulsed one of the
hamstring tendons from the attachment point at inner side of his knee,"
Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.
"As such, Michael had corrective surgery today
(Tuesday). The recovery time and availability for the World Cup will be
dependent on his progress with the rehabilitation program in the coming
weeks." Hussey was one of Australia's few successes in a disappointing
Ashes series defeat to England and the side will be hoping he recovers in time
to take his place in the 15-man squad.
Australia, who have won four of the nine World Cups,
including the last three, will use the 14 remaining members of the squad named
on Tuesday for the last six matches of the one-day series against England.
"(We have) selected a squad we believe is capable of
winning a fourth successive World Cup in sub-continental conditions," chief
selector Andrew Hilditch said in a news release.
"It includes the experience of Ricky Ponting, Michael
Clarke and Brett Lee, and also some young talent like Steve Smith.
"Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Mike Hussey, Mitchell
Johnson and Brad Haddin were all also part of the victorious 2007 squad that
went unbeaten in the Caribbean, so there is plenty of character in this group
of Australian cricketers." Off spinner Nathan Hauritz has been preferred
to left armer Xavier Doherty as the specialist spinner with David Hussey and
Smith adding extra options.
Experienced campaigners Brett Lee and Shaun Tait have been
joined in the pace bowling unit by Doug Bollinger, with Peter Siddle missing
out.
"Nathan Hauritz is our preferred spin option and his
one-day record in India is excellent," Hilditch added.
"He will be an important part of our bid for this
fourth World Cup. Doug Bollinger has also been a strong performer for us in
one-day cricket in India in recent times and we expect him to have a big impact
on the tournament." All-rounder John Hastings, 25, who has played just two
one-day internationals for Australia, managed to bag a spot in the 15-member
squad.
"Victorian John Hastings has been selected as he adds
variety to our bowling options," Hilditch said.
"We feel his bowling is well suited to sub-continent
conditions and his all-round skills with bat and ball add to the flexibility of
the squad." Power batsman David Hussey had not played a one-day
international since 2009 when he was included in the side for the first match
against England, which Australia won by six wickets.
The 33-year-old did not get a chance to bat, however, as
Shane Watson guided the Australians to victory with an unbeaten 161.
"David Hussey has been selected on the back of years of
excellent interstate performances in all forms of the game and we feel he will
play a crucial role for us in sub-continental conditions," Hilditch added.
The World Cup being co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and
Bangladesh from Feb. 19 to April 2.
Australia have been drawn in Group A for the opening stage
along with Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Canada and Pakistan.
Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug
Bollinger, Brad Haddin, John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Mike
Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, Steve Smith, Shaun Tait, Shane
Watson, Cameron White.
