In the Australian squad, the spicy ingredient is Victorian allrounder John Hastings, who will be part of the pursuit for an unprecedented fourth consecutive cricket World Cup.
Brett Lee, aged 34, has made an impressive comeback from injury and has been selected in the 15-man squad, joining fellow veterans Mike Hussey, 35, and captain Ricky Ponting.
The notable absentees from the squad include Test paceman Peter Siddle and fellow Victorian Brad Hodge, while Nathan Hauritz secured the crucial spinners role over Xavier Doherty.
Despite having played only two one day international matches, the 25-year-old Hastings is believed by National Selection Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch to bring essential balance to the team.
“He provides us with another option for fast bowling as well as an additional all-rounder,” commented Hilditch.
“This adds extra flexibility for the team.”
According to Hilditch, the squad, which features emerging talents like Steve Smith and Tim Paine, has successfully achieved the right mix of youth and experience.
“One major decision for this squad was to ensure the 
balance is appropriate to cover all positions amid potential issues of injury, illness, or form that could arise,” Hilditch stated on Tuesday.
“The team includes the experience of Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, and Brett Lee, along with some young talent like Steve Smith.”
Members of the victorious 2007 ICC cricket World Cup squad, such as Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, and Brad Haddin, add to the character of this group of Australian cricketers, having gone unbeaten in the Caribbean.
“Nathan Hauritz is our top choice for spin, and his one-day performance in India has been outstanding.”
“He will play a significant role in our quest for this fourth World Cup.”
Though Mike Hussey has been named in the squad, he remains a doubt for the tournament after suffering a hamstring tear during Australia’s record-breaking victory over England at the MCG on Sunday.
“It is a serious injury, and we will determine his status closer to the departure date,” noted Hilditch.
Ponting expressed confidence that Australia is still the team to beat in the tournament occurring in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, marking his fifth World Cup.
Having undergone surgery on the little finger of his left hand during the SCG Test, Ponting has not batted recently, yet he is optimistic about participating in both of Australia’s warm-up games leading up to the World Cup opener against Zimbabwe on February 21.
The 15-man Australian squad selected for the 2011 cricket World Cup set to take place in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Australia: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, Steve Smith, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
by Buford Balony
