Nathan Hauritz drafted into Australian World Cup squad

Australian Cricket Board (ACB) Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland today announced that the National Selection Panel (NSP) has chosen Queensland Bulls off-spinner Nathan Hauritz to replace the suspended Shane Warne in Australia's 15-man World Cup squad.

Hauritz, 21, has played five one-day internationals for Australia, having made his limited-overs debut on the Travelex Tour of South Africa in February 2002.

His last outing in national colours was against Kenya during the Tri-Nations Tournament in Nairobi in September 2002.

Named the 2003 Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year at the Allan Border Medal presentation on 28 January, he claimed 14 wickets for the Queensland Bulls in Australia's domestic limited-overs competition, the ING Cup, the third-highest for the season and most by a spinner.

He also represented Australia A against England and Sri Lanka throughout the 2002-03 domestic season.

Upon receiving his call-up to the World Cup squad, Haurtiz said:

"It's obviously a strange feeling, because I am disappointed at the result of Shane's hearing, but naturally thrilled to be called up to the squad," Hauritz said.

"Shane has been one of my heroes since I was a kid, so to be replacing him now is somewhat bitter-sweet.

"But from the perspective of my cricket career, being selected in this squad is a real highlight.

"I played in South Africa last year, so hopefully I've got a reasonable understanding of the conditions there and just what I need to do to take wickets," he said.

NSP Chairman Trevor Hohns said Hauritz's inclusion would provide the squad with a second quality spinning option.

"Nathan has been part of our one-day international thinking for some time now, and has demonstrated his potential at both domestic and international level," Hohns said.

"With Shane Warne's situation, we wanted to make sure that we covered all bases in the make-up of the side, by including another quality spin-bowler.

"Nathan is mature beyond his years and will provide the squad with another lively player who has the ability to take wickets, field well and make runs if required.

"He has also showed just what a valuable contribution he can he make in South African conditions, with some fine performances on last year's tour of that country," he said.