Coach says Aussies ready for title defence

07 Feb, 2011

"The most pleasing thing about the seven games is we have had contributions at different times from pretty well everyone in the squad."Everyone has got the feeling their game is in pretty good order, everyone is pretty clear with their roles. We are going in in pretty good shape."While Nielsen's confidence is up, there is still considerable doubt over the final make-up of Australia's 15-man squad.

Captain Ricky Ponting (finger), veteran batsman Mike Hussey (hamstring) and first-choice spinner Nathan Hauritz (shoulder) all have to prove their fitness for the World Cup, which starts on February 19, while reserve Shaun Marsh is also sidelined by a hamstring strain.Nielsen admitted the injuries were an unwelcome distraction and said some crucial decisions on player fitness would be made over the next 48 hours.ut he was upbeat about Ponting's prospects, after the skipper came through a batting session in Sydney on Friday."He seems to be getting better every day and is at least where we would like him to be, which is great," Nielsen said."But he hasn't played any competitive cricket in a while, so that in itself is a risk

 

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011

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