Australian batsman Michael Hussey had surgery on an injured hamstring, putting him in serious doubt for Australia's World Cup title defence.
Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said scans showed Hussey had torn a hamstring tendon from his left knee during Sunday's one-day win against England, making it unclear if he will make the World Cup starting next month.
"Whilst the injury appeared to be minor at the time and soon after the game, scans have since revealed that he has avulsed (torn) one of the hamstring tendons from the attachment point at inner side of his knee," Kountouris said.
"As such, Michael had corrective surgery today. The recovery time and availability for the ICC (International Cricket Council) World Cup will be dependent on his progress with the rehabilitation program in the coming weeks."
Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said a decision on Hussey would be delayed until as late as possible before the tournament in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
"It is a severe injury and we will make a decision closer to departure date," Hilditch said.
Hussey had been named in Australia's 15-man World Cup squad just hours earlier. Australia, aiming for a record fourth successive title, open against against Zimbabwe on February 21, although the quarter-finals are a month later.
The normally durable 35-year-old left-hander is certain to miss the rest of the seven-match one-day series against England and there was speculation he could be sidelined for at least six weeks.
Australia were also hit by the news that captain Ricky Ponting is racing to be fit after breaking a little finger during the heavy Ashes defeat to England.
"I'm hoping to be right for the start of the World Cup," said Ponting, 36, whose finger is still in a splint.
"My finger's coming along okay, I guess. I haven't been able to do anything for the last couple of weeks post-surgery, but I've got a bit more movement now."
Hussey, considered a key member of Australia's World Cup squad, has been replaced by Shaun Marsh for the next three one-day internationals against England, a team statement said.
He appeared to damage the knee taking a quick second run during Australia's successful chase of England's 294 total during the opening one-day match in Melbourne.
Hussey pulled up awkwardly, but continued his innings without a runner. Batting partner Shane Watson later dismissed the problem as just "hamstring stiffness".
Hussey was a member of Australia's World Cup-winning team in 2007, when he played 10 of their 11 matches, including the final, but made just 87 runs at 17.40 and wasn't needed with the bat in five of those games.
The one-day World Cup has taken on added significance for Australia who are desperate for results after their hammering in the Ashes Test series against England.
© AFP
Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said scans showed Hussey had torn a hamstring tendon from his left knee during Sunday's one-day win against England, making it unclear if he will make the World Cup starting next month.
"Whilst the injury appeared to be minor at the time and soon after the game, scans have since revealed that he has avulsed (torn) one of the hamstring tendons from the attachment point at inner side of his knee," Kountouris said.
"As such, Michael had corrective surgery today. The recovery time and availability for the ICC (International Cricket Council) World Cup will be dependent on his progress with the rehabilitation program in the coming weeks."
Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said a decision on Hussey would be delayed until as late as possible before the tournament in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
"It is a severe injury and we will make a decision closer to departure date," Hilditch said.
Hussey had been named in Australia's 15-man World Cup squad just hours earlier. Australia, aiming for a record fourth successive title, open against against Zimbabwe on February 21, although the quarter-finals are a month later.
The normally durable 35-year-old left-hander is certain to miss the rest of the seven-match one-day series against England and there was speculation he could be sidelined for at least six weeks.
Australia were also hit by the news that captain Ricky Ponting is racing to be fit after breaking a little finger during the heavy Ashes defeat to England.
"I'm hoping to be right for the start of the World Cup," said Ponting, 36, whose finger is still in a splint.
"My finger's coming along okay, I guess. I haven't been able to do anything for the last couple of weeks post-surgery, but I've got a bit more movement now."
Hussey, considered a key member of Australia's World Cup squad, has been replaced by Shaun Marsh for the next three one-day internationals against England, a team statement said.
He appeared to damage the knee taking a quick second run during Australia's successful chase of England's 294 total during the opening one-day match in Melbourne.
Hussey pulled up awkwardly, but continued his innings without a runner. Batting partner Shane Watson later dismissed the problem as just "hamstring stiffness".
Hussey was a member of Australia's World Cup-winning team in 2007, when he played 10 of their 11 matches, including the final, but made just 87 runs at 17.40 and wasn't needed with the bat in five of those games.
The one-day World Cup has taken on added significance for Australia who are desperate for results after their hammering in the Ashes Test series against England.
© AFP
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