Michael Clarke has been given one last chance to prove his fitness after being named in Australia’s 15-man squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
The squad selected for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand in February and March will also take part in the Carlton Mid One Day International Tri Series against India and England prior to the World Cup.
The squad is: Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (vice-captain), Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner and Shane Watson.
“Captain Michael Clarke will lead our World Cup campaign should he recover from his injury,” said National Selector Rod Marsh. “He is one of the world’s best batsmen and we want to give him every chance to prove his fitness for a tournament as important as this one.
“Our medical staff are pleased with his progress following hamstring surgery in December and he continues to undergo thorough rehabilitation work with a view to being ready to play an important role in the World Cup.
“We have said that if Michael has not recovered by our second match of the tournament against Bangladesh on 21 February, we will replace him in the squad. He understands that and is working tirelessly with medical staff to get back to fitness.”
A standby player for Clarke has not been named however Marsh said that if Clarke became unavailable, George Bailey would captain the side in his absence.
“This group has played a major role in getting Australia back to number one in ODI cricket and we feel we have the right mix of players to represent our country on the biggest stage of all,” Marsh continued. “These players have really gelled over the past 18 months with their preparation geared towards giving us the best chance of winning a World Cup on home soil.”
Marsh said Western Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is on track to be fit for the start of the World Cup: “Mitchell is progressing well with his rehab and we expect him to be available at some stage during the Tri Series with the aim to have him well prepared for the World Cup.”
Tasmanian Xavier Doherty has been selected as the squad’s specialist spinner for the tournament. Marsh said: “Xavier is a reliable spin bowler who we know can perform well in the 50-over format. We also have other spin options in Glenn Maxwell , Steve Smith and Michael Clarke if required.”
Australia is aiming to claim a record fifth ICC Cricket World Cup after winning the tournament in India in 1987, England in 1999, South Africa in 2003 and the West Indies in 2007. Australia begins its ICC Cricket World Cup campaign against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday 14 February.
Australia’s ICC Cricket World Cup Draw
Saturday 14 February Australia v England MCG. Melbourne
Saturday 21 February Australia v Bangladesh The GABBA, Brisbane
Saturday 28 February Australia v New Zealand Eden Park, Auckland
Wednesday 4 March Australia v Afghanistan WACA, Perth
Sunday 8 March Australia v Sri Lanka SCG, Sydney
Saturday 14 March Australia v Scotland Bellerive Oval, Hobart
James Buttler
As the editor of World Cricket Badger he is intent on building the website to give quality coverage of the domestic game around the world.
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James was the full-time Media Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 2007 and 2010.
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