Gilchrist to miss the first 3 weeks of the World Cup

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The Australian World Cup squad has been announced with a few eyebrows raised over some inclusions (and exclusions). The squad is as follows:

1. Ricky Ponting (capt)


2. Adam Gilchrist (wk)


3. Nathan Bracken


4. Michael Clarke


5. Brad Haddin (wk)


6. Matthew Hayden


7. Brad Hodge


8. Brad Hogg


9. Michael Hussey


10. Mitchell Johnson


11. Brett Lee


12. Glenn McGrath


13. Andrew Symonds


14. Shaun Tait


15. Shane Watson

They're a vulnerable looking bunch. Symonds may not be able to play at all. That takes the squad down to 14. Haddin is essentially filler for Gilchrist so that takes the squad to 13. Watson will most likely pull a hammy in the first game, taking our team down to 12. So our 15 man squad for a two month tournament looks painfully thin.

The most discussed choice is Shaun Tait over Stuart Clark. I don't have a problem with the decision although the selectors should've played Tait in more than 2 Tri-series games if they were planning on sending him to the Caribbean. I like Tait's speed, swing, wicket taking ability and variety (eg - his lack of ability to land the ball in the same spot). I'm also a big fan of the concept of specialist Test and one day players. Keep Clark for the Tests, Bracken for the one dayers. With players moaning about heavy schedules, this will keep both teams fresher.

I also favour Brad Hodge over Cameron White. Hodge is a useful mid-innings slow bowler while White failed to show his chops with his inoccuous legspinners. Still, I thought Ponting could've given him more overs if at least to put this beyond doubt. If the Tri-series was meant to be preparation for the World Cup, Australia could've done a better job of exposing players and answering selection questions. We ended up with more questions than answers.

However, the real shocker is the news that Adam Gilchrist will miss the first three weeks of the tournament to be with his wife and upcoming baby (due on Feb 28). I guess Gilly, epitome of the Sensitive New Age Cricketer (SNAC), wants to be at home during the first couple of weeks at his child's life. Hello, Gilly!?! That's why webcams were invented!!

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Posted by JC on Wed 14 Feb

14 comments

SNACKS and cricket go together but SNACS? C'mon guys! Something is dreadfully wrong when our very best players are taking paternity leave during the World Cup. Would Ronaldo or Beckham do it during the football World Cup?

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Posted by TA on 2007-02-14 14:22:28

I agree with most of your comments JC. I like the squad that they have chosen. Haddin is a decent batsmen in his own right and is a good selection with or without Gilchrist, in my opinion.
Don't forget that if players (like Watson) do get injured that they can be immediately replaced.

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Posted by Alastair on 2007-02-14 14:54:28

Its the first time i've ever seen a aussie team dependant on one man i.e Ponting ...their batting is a failure w/o him and their over dependence on my man Symonds is going to cost them dear ...and their bowling line-up doesnt look like they will take 10 wickets

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Posted by Vignesh on 2007-02-14 17:38:59

This whole metrosexual SNACS is getting a tad too much for me. Our premier allrounder is a sensitive man, our opener gives totally disgusting displays of male bonding in the middle of the pitch and our premier fast bowler is a woman.

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Posted by jethro on 2007-02-14 19:04:28

You have to questions Gilly's commitment. Knocking his missus up was terrible timing... what was he thinking 8 months ago?? :)

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Posted by Timbo on 2007-02-15 00:16:25

Almost as bad as Brett Lee with their baby's due date coinciding with the Ashes 1st Test. Lucky it was a premmy!

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Posted by JC on 2007-02-15 09:23:15

6 days earlier than the due date aint premmy jc! premmy is less than 8 mths.

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Posted by tara on 2007-03-06 01:56:40

Well, not medically premmy but early enough to get Gilly to the West Indies in time for the first match which is early enough for me!

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Posted by JC on 2007-03-06 11:20:45

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