Mike Hussey to replace Bollinger

Cricket Australia's National Selection Panel (NSP) on Sunday confirmed Mike Hussey will join the Australian squad as a replacement player for injured bowler Doug Bollinger in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

The NSP also announced Victorian fast bowler Dirk Nannes will travel to India as a standby player to train with the Australian squad and be available in the event of injury to another fast bowler.

NSP chairman Andrew Hilditch said: "The NSP has decided to replace Doug Bollinger with Michael Hussey in the Australian squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup. Michael has successfully recovered from major hamstring surgery and is seen as someone who is capable of assisting Australia as we strive to win this tournament.

"His skill, experience, ability against spin and the fact that he provides a left-hand option in the middle order is seen as critical in our World Cup defence now that he has successfully recovered from injury.

"The NSP has also announced that Dirk Nannes will travel to India as a standby fast bowler.

"Dirk will train with the Australian World Cup squad and be fit, available and acclimatised in the event of an injury to a fast bowler, in particular a new-ball fast bowler, in the final stages of this tournament.

"Dirk has been in excellent form and played a critical role in Victoria's recent Ryobi Cup victory and will be an excellent replacement bowler in the event of injury to a key opening bowler."