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Injured Hauritz, Tait in doubt for World Cup

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Last updated on: January 21, 2011 21:18 IST

- Scorecard

Australia off-spinner Nathan Hauritz's participation at the World Cup could be in doubt after he appeared to have dislocated his right shoulder while fielding in the second one-day international against England on Friday.

Fast bowler Shaun Tait also walked off the field in Hobart shortly after with one ball to bowl in his sixth over with what appeared to be a groin strain.

Tait grimaced in his follow through and handed the ball to captain Michael Clarke to bowl the last ball of the over.

nathan hauritz (right) leaves the field after getting injured during the 2nd ODI on FridayAustralia, who are looking to win their fourth successive World Cup from February 19, are now facing an injury crisis.

Batsmen Mike Hussey had surgery on a serious hamstring injury earlier this week while captain Ricky Ponting is recovering from surgery on a broken finger.

Stand-in captain Clarke said he was confident that both Hauritz and Tait would be fit for the World Cup in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"More than likely, he's (Hauritz) going to struggle to take any more part in this series," Clarke said.

"Shaun (Tait), I think it's his upper thigh or glute. He'll have a scan tomorrow as well but we're hoping that's not too bad.

"We're confident he'll be okay, (although) he mightn't be okay for Sunday.

"We're confident that they'll both be right for the World Cup. It is a setback though."

Hauritz, who was named in Australia's World Cup squad earlier this week, was chasing a shot in the 32nd over from Michael Yardy out to the boundary at Bellerive Oval when he slid to gather the ball, rolled over and collapsed in obvious pain as he steadied himself in an attempt to get back to his feet.

He spent several minutes on the ground with concerned team mates around him gesturing for medical help before he managed to walk off with team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris though it was obvious he was in considerable pain as he cradled his right arm.

Cricket Australia said he had gone to hospital for X-rays and it appeared he had dislocated the shoulder.

Hauritz has had a nightmare summer, having been dumped from the test side for the Ashes series against England.

"He has been playing really well and for this to happen now, I feel for him no doubt," Clarke said.

"But hopefully he'll be right for the World Cup and he'll definitely play a big part in that."

He was the only specialist slow bowler named in Australia's 15-man World Cup squad and if injury rules him out could be replaced by left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty.

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