Sydney: Michael Bevan will stay in Australia's World Cup squad despite suffering a groin injury, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) said on Monday.
National selection panel chairman Trevor Hohns said Bevan, who was injured while batting during Saturday's second triangular series One-day final against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), was considered a vital part of the side's World Cup campaign. "Like Michael, we were all relieved to learn that the extent of his injury was not as serious as first thought," Hohns said on Monday. "Although he will take a few weeks to regain full fitness, the selection panel along with (captain) Ricky Ponting unanimously agreed that he should retain his spot in the World Cup squad. "It goes without saying that Michael is a key component of our World Cup plans, and with the relevant treatment, we are hoping that he will be back sooner rather than later." Bevan's World Cup prospects were given a boost on Sunday after diagnostic scans revealed the injury would only keep him sidelined for two to three weeks. "Naturally when I first suffered the injury, I feared the worst and thoughts of missing the World Cup went racing through my head," Bevan said. "But the groin felt considerably better by the morning and after having scans and speaking to Trefor James (ACB medical officer), things seemed a lot brighter. "It is obviously a big relief, and it's now up to me to do whatever it takes to get the injury right." The Australian squad leaves for South Africa on Thursday.
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