Cricket Australia is scrambling to find a replacement for Mike Hussey before Wednesday's Prime Minister's XI match against England in Canberra, the veteran also in danger of missing the remainder of the Big Bash League competition.
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Hussey injured his calf muscle playing for the Sydney Thunder on Friday night and had scans on Saturday but officials are virtually resigned to him being unavailable to captain the Prime Minister's XI on Wednesday night.
The Thunder have confirmed Hussey will miss Monday's BBL match against the Adelaide Strikers and it's touch-and-go whether the 39-year-old will even play again this summer.
It's a massive blow for the annual Prime Minister's XI encounter, given the retired Test champion was the major Australian drawcard for Wednesday's match and only about 5000 tickets have been sold.
The Prime Minister's team also includes Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins, who are both expected to be named in Australia's World Cup squad on Sunday. Canberra's in-form paceman, Jason Behrendorff, will spearhead the attack with Cummins but it is otherwise an inexperienced outfit.
England has arrived in Canberra and will play an ACT team at Manuka on Monday. English allrounder Chris Woakes said they would field strong teams in both contest, hoping to get their long Australian tour off to a good start before the Tri-Nations begins against Australia on January 16.
Eoin Morgan takes over as England skipper from the dumped Alastair Cookand the pace attack has been boosted by the return of Stuart Broad and James Anderson from injury.
"It's great to have them back, as a unit it lifts everyone," Woakes said. "They're obviously two world-class bowlers with a lot of experience behind them so it's good for us, particularly the younger guys, to learn from them.
"Every game before the Tri-Series starts is a big chance for us to get into some form and build some confidence. Winning games before the Tri-Series starts is important for us."
Cummins shapes as Australia's wildcard for the Cricket World Cup, with the match-winning youngster set to be named in the host nation's 15-man squad.
The 21-year-old has battled injury since hitting the winning runs in a stunning Test debut more than three years ago but recent strong showings in the shorter formats of the game are likely to see him get the nod from Australia's selectors.
George Bailey, who is set to be named vice-captain of Australia's squad under captain Michael Clarke, believes Cummins would be a welcome addition.
"He's exciting and he's a wicket-taker and he's certainly someone who you would think comes into calculations come Sunday," Bailey said.
Clarke is increasingly confident he will be fit for Australia's tournament opener against England at the MCG on February 14, after continuing his recovery ahead of schedule from hamstring surgery three weeks ago.
Clarke gave little away when asked about the make-up of the squad during Test commentary on Saturday.
"I've certainly had conversations about trying to pick the World Cup squad," Clarke said. "They've asked me my views and opinions but when it comes to selecting the team that's certainly in their hands."
Maxwell is expected to be chosen despite his indifferent form this summer.
With AAP
