Hussey called to cover Langer

Michael Hussey has been thrust into the Australia squad as cover for Justin Langer, who is fighting a fractured rib to prove his fitness for the first Test against West Indies on Thursday. Langer, who was hit while batting for Western Australia in an ING Cup match on Saturday, has not been ruled out of the side, but Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, decided to give Hussey time to adapt in case he was asked to make his debut.

"The reports from team medical staff suggest that Justin will aim to practice tomorrow, but in the event that he's not fit to play, we want to have a player on stand-by in Brisbane," Hohns said. "Although Justin has signalled his intent to train and make himself available for the Test, we must cover all of our bases."

Hussey will join the team from Perth today and his impressive ODI performances since being recalled in March - he has an average of 119.25 in his past 17 matches - and position as a specialist opener pushed him above Brad Hodge and Phil Jaques. "Hussey has played some fine cricket for Australia in the one-day international arena, so he is familiar with the set-up within the national side," Hohns said. "He is a quality top-order batsman in first-class cricket and we believe he can fill a role in the Test side if required."

The Sydney Morning Herald reported today that Langer risked puncturing a lung if hit again, but he was desperate to prove his fitness. "He would almost certainly wear a guard and he risks sustaining further injury, such as a punctured lung," Dr Trefor James, the team doctor, told the paper. "It's not a high risk, but the thing about it is it's quite a serious injury. That will have to be explained to him."

Dr James said if Langer was restricted in any of his batting and fielding movements he would be ruled out. This is the second time in a year Langer has been injured in the lead-up to a Test, but he recovered from a back problem to play at the MCG last Boxing Day.