WORLD CUP 2011 - INJURED, LEFT OUT OR OPTED OUT!!

AUSTRALIA -

If persisting with Ricky Ponting is the biggest mistake Australians have made, exclusion of a recovering Michael Hussey from the squad comes very close to it.. Hussey, who is suffering from hamstring injury, is expected to be fit for the later stages of the tournament and his absence renders the middle order exposed! Though he should have made it to the original squad along with Michael Hussey, Calum Ferguson has been named as his replacement. Ferguson, a highly talented batsman is apt at anchoring innings and scoring under pressure. Batting him at No.5 (instead of No.7) shall be ideal for the Aussies.

Nathan Hauritz misses out owing to a shoulder injury while the second choice spinner, Xavier Doherty misses out due to back injury which meant Jason Krejza has been called up and shall lead the spin department (Opposition batsmen must be licking their lips! ). Shaun Marsh (hamstring) , Ryan Harris (knee) and Clint McKay (left foot) are other big players missing out owing to injuries, further denting Australia's chances.Peter Siddle also misses the most important ICC event owing to a back injury.James Pattinson and Ricky Ponting have recovered in time from back and finger injuries respectively to represent Australia in the World Cup.


ENGLAND -

The biggest blow to England has to be the finger injury to Eoin Morgan, the linchpin of England's middle-lower order and an excellent finisher. Ravi Bopara, by no means an apt replacement for the former, gets a shot and has been named against him. Matt Prior has been favored to Steve Davies, a very good move by the English selectors as Prior is expected to score quickly in the batsmen friendly sub continental conditions.

A host of players recovering from various injuries have been included in the squad for the World Cup. These include Graeme Swann (knee), Tim Bresnan (calf-strain), Ajmal Shahzad (hamstring) and Paul Collingwood (back spasm). Samit Patel was left out owing to his overweight and lack of dedication towards improving his health and fitness. Chris Tremlett, who has recovered in time from a side strain has been included as a reserve for Stuart Broad, who has managed to recover from an abdominal injury himself!


ZIMBABWE -

Sean Ervine's decision to opt out from the World Cup at the last moment comes as a big blow for Zimbabwe. Ervine, a fine batsman, decided to continue playing for Hampshire where he is well respected and quite popular among the fans. Tino Mawoyo, who had been named as his replacement suffered from a abdominal muscle tear himself and finally, Terry Duffin made it to the squad. The latter's ability to stay at the wicket is undoubted though the challenge for him is to score as quickly as required in one day internationals.


SOUTH AFRICA -

Selectors decision to leave out Albie Morkel from the squad has been influenced far more by the injudicious use of the all rounder by the national coach and captain than his erratic performances at the top level. David Miller and Mark Boucher have also been left out. The exclusion of the latter comes out as a positive and aggressive move from the selectors as they opted for Morne Van Wyk, an exciting opening wicketkeeper-batsman.

Kallis, the world's best all rounder, has been included in the squad despite of his rib injury and is expected to recover in time for the crunch matches.


NEW ZELAND -

The only major team in the tournament that is least affected by injury problems, off late, the Kiwis have been in the news for their uncharacteristic off field behavior.Jacob Oram gets a nod from the selectors despite having an injured ankle. New Zeland is hardly expected to have a major impact on the tournament given even the conditions hardly favor them.


WEST INDIES -

The superpower turned minors, West Indies may spring up a surprise or two as they have match winners in Chris Gayle and Keiron Pollard. The decision to leave out the likes of Brendon Nash, Fidel Edwards and Jerome Taylor is disheartening but not surprising given the current state of West Indian cricket.Denesh Ramdin is another player who has been ignored for the world cup.


INDIA -

Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Karthik and Irfan Pathan are the major names missing from the Indian squad. Given the inconsistent performance of Rohit and Irfan even after being provided with enough opportunities, the selectors decision to do away with them is a positive one. Also, being the host, India can avail the services of Dinesh Karthik at a short notice in case Dhoni is unavailable to play a match.

Indian medium pace department suffered a major blow when Praveen injured his elbow. Sreesanth has been named as his replacement. Horses for courses is the "mantra" that teams have to follow sometimes and Praveen was the best horse as far as the bowling department is concerned! By no means a tear away fast bowler, Praveen has proved himself good enough as a consistent and impact player over the years and his services shall certainly be missed.

The selectors have done exceedingly well by showing Ishant Sharma the door. Pragyan Ojha is another player to miss out on a berth in the squad.


BANGLADESH -

Alok Kapali's exclusion from the squad is the only major surprising decision apart from the decision to leave out an injured Mushrafe Mortaza (knee) from the squad as far as Bangladesh is concerned.


SRI LANKA -

Leaving out Sanath Jayasuriya was an excellent decision by the Sri Lankan selectors. Depending on a player who has diverted his attention to politics and is a member of Parliament is hardly worthwhile. The same cannot be said of the decision to leave out Chaminda Vaas. A consistent performer and someone who can swing it like a banana in the subcontinental conditions, Vaas's exclusion is certainly going to hurt Sri Lanka.Rangana Herath has been preferred over Suraj Randiv to bring some variety to the spin department.


IRELAND -

Ireland boosted their chances of causing an upset in the tournament by selecting Ed Joyce in the squad, who has been ignored by the English selectors. Joyce, an Irish born England cricketer, decided to play for Ireland and has been given the green signal by the ICC after he sought permission for the same.