Hussey doubtful for World Cup

Mike Hussey's place in Australia's World Cup squad is in doubt after it was confirmed he suffered a hamstring tear while batting during the six-wicket win over England on Sunday.

Scans on Hussey's left hamstring have revealed the left-hander has ripped part of a tendon off the bone near the gluteus muscle on the upper thigh. While the injury will certainly curtail Hussey's involvement in the seven-match one-day series against England, it also casts doubt over his selection for the World Cup with Australia due to name their 15-man squad for the tournament, which starts on February 19, by Wednesday.

Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris confirmed that Hussey had sustained "a significant left hamstring injury", adding: "The course of management for this injury will be determined in the next 24 hours."

"Our main focus is trying to get prepared for that World Cup, that is my main focus as well and I would really like to be part of that," Hussey had said before scans revealed the extent of his injury. "If that meant missing a couple of games as a precaution then I am sure that is an option we would have to look at."

Reports in the Australian media have suggested that Cricket Australia officials are understood to be seeking clear clarification on selection and replacement regulations before announcing their World Cup squad. It appears that Hussey could be named in Australia's initial squad and possibly replaced if he does not regain full fitness as the start of the tournament draws near. If he is not named initially, he can only join the squad later if another player is injured and forced to withdraw.