Technical Committee confirms Ben Hilfenhaus can replace Shaun Tait in Australia squad for upcoming ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa

The ICC today confirmed the Technical Committee of the ICC World Twenty20 2007 has approved Ben Hilfenhaus as a replacement player for Shaun Tait in Australia's squad for the tournament, which runs from 11 to 24 September in South Africa.

The confirmation was conveyed to the Australia team management in an email sent on behalf of the tournament Technical Committee today (Wednesday).

Hilfenhaus replaces Tait after medical reports were received indicating that Tait had undergone surgery to his right elbow and would not be fit in time to take part in the event.

The 24-year-old Tasmanian fast bowler is the first replacement player to be called up for the tournament so far. The process required for approving Hilfenhaus involved Cricket Australia making an application in writing to the tournament Technical Committee for permission.

In this case the application was supported by medical reports confirming Tait's injury and certifying that the player was not fit for the event.

The Technical Committee of the ICC World Twenty20 consists of David Richardson (International Cricket Council), Campbell Jamieson (IDI, the ICC's commercial arm), Steve Elworthy (tournament director), Brian Basson (Cricket South Africa), Ravi Shastri (independent) and Ian Bishop (independent).

Australia's first match of the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa will take place against Zimbabwe at Cape Town on Wednesday 12 September.