Lyon will not represent Australia during the World Cup
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Australia have decided against including spinner Nathan Lyon in their World Cup squad since they believe Xavier Doherty will have a bigger impact.
However, the national selectors have included captain Michael Clarke in the 15-man squad even though he is currently recovering from having his hamstring surgically repaired.
Clarke recently revealed that his recovery was going so well that he might be fully fit prior to the start of the tournament.
“Captain Michael Clarke will lead our World Cup campaign should he recover from his injury,” chairman of selectors Rod Marsh said. “He is one of the world’s best batsmen and we want to give him every chance to prove his fitness for a tournament as important as this one.
“Our medical staff are pleased with his progress following hamstring surgery in December and he continues to undergo thorough rehabilitation work with a view to being ready to play an important role in the World Cup.
“We have said that if Michael has not recovered by our second match of the tournament against Bangladesh on 21 February, we will replace him in the squad. He understands that and is working tirelessly with medical staff to get back to fitness.”
Australia’s World Cup Squad: Michael Clarke (captain), George Bailey, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson