Cooley added to World Cup plans

Troy Cooley has played a key role with Australia since moving from England © Getty Images

Troy Cooley, Australia's bowling coach, has been made a permanent part of their World Cup plans after an initial decision that he'd only be involved in the preparation period.

Following Australia's slump in form, including the 3-0 Chappell-Hadlee defeat, it has been decided that there is a need to have a bowling coach on hand throughout the World Cup. Australia twice failed to defend 300-plus totals in against New Zealand and in the other match New Zealand recorded a 10-wicket win.

"At one point I was only going over for the set up but now it's the full tour, which is great," Cooley told the Sunday Telegraph. "In the original plans, no I wasn't going, but in light of proceedings in New Zealand it's probably a smart move to be with the guys full-time and provide some input. It's not a knee-jerk reaction."

Australia's bowling ranks have been hit with the loss of Brett Lee through injury while Andrew Symonds' mixture of medium-pace and offspin will also be missing for at least the early matches.