Australia World Cup squad penpix by AFP

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 24th February 2007

 

Ricky Ponting (RHB/RAM/capt)
Age: 32. ODI appearances: 269. First cap: v RSA, Wellington, Feb 15, 1995
The inspirational leader of Australian cricket will have to lead from the front if his team is to win a third successive World Cup. Without him, the team just doesn't seem to put a foot right.
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Nathan Bracken (RHB/LAFM)
Age: 29. ODI appearances: 57. First cap: v WIS, Melbourne, Jan 11, 2001
Tall and slim, the left-arm seamer moves the ball both ways and appears to have settled into the pace attack behind Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath.
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Michael Clarke (RHB/SLA)
Age: 25. ODI appearances: 101. First cap: v ENG, Adelaide, Jan 19, 2003
The 'Pup' has now matured into an international batsman of class in both forms of the game. He is already being regarded as a future Australian captain and the possible successor to Ponting.
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Adam Gilchrist (LHB/WK)
Age: 35. ODI appearances: 257. First cap: v RSA, Faridabad, Oct 25, 1996
Easily the most exhilerating cricketer of the modern age, the steamrolling batsman and a classy wicket-keeper holds the key to how Australia perform at the World Cup.
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Brad Haddin (RHB/WK)
Age: 29. ODI appearances: 21. First cap: v ZIM, Hobart, Jan 30, 2001
The reserve wicket-keeper was included in the World Cup squad since Gilchrist will miss the early stages of the competition for family reasons. Haddin can't wait to grab the opportunity.
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Matthew Hayden (LHB/RAM)
Age: 35. ODI appearances: 134. First cap: v AUS, Manchester, May 19, 1993
His physical and mental strength makes him an opening batsman to be feared by rival bowlers. Earlier considered only a Test batsman, he has also begun to make his mark in the shorter version of the game.
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Brad Hodge (RHB/RAOB)
Age: 32. ODI appearances: 13. First cap: v NZL, Auckland, Dec 3, 2005
Another Test batsman given a chance to shine on the one-day stage after the retirement of Damien Martyn. A consistent performer in first-class cricket for Victoria where he grew up under the watchful eyes of his hero Dean Jones.
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Brad Hogg (LHB/SLA)
Age: 36. ODI appearances: 95. First cap: v ZIM, Colombo, Aug 26, 1996
The lone spinner in the Australian side could play a big role at the World Cup if the Caribbean wickets play slow and low as expected. He is regarded as a one-day specialist for his tight line and length.
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Mike Hussey (LHB/RAM)
Age: 31. ODI appearances: 61. First cap: v IND, Perth, Feb 1, 2004
A late entrant into international cricket, he has made up for lost time by emerging as a great finisher in one-day cricket in the mould of the retired Michael Bevan. A key member of the Australian side.
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Mitchell Johnson (LHB/LAFM)
Age: 25. ODI appearances: 18. First cap: v NZL, Christchurch, Dec 10, 2005
The tall left-armer is widely regarded as Australia's most promising fast bowler after Brett Lee. He is quick and swings the ball both ways. Remains to be seen how much his inexperience will hinder his progress at the World Cup.
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Stuart Clark (RHB/RAFM)
Age: 31. ODI appearances: 24. First cap: v ICC World XI, Melbourne, Oct 07, 2005
Stuart Clark made a dream debut against South Africa at Cape Town during the 2005-06 season. He bowled Australia to a seven-wicket victory with figures of five for 55 and four for 34 the third best match figures by an Australian debutant behind Bob Massie and Clarrie Grimmett. Taking 20 wickets at 15.75 apiece he was adjudged player of the series after playing a notable role in Australia’s emphatic 3-0 clean sweep.
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Glenn McGrath (RHB/RAFM)
Age: 37. ODI appearances: 239. First cap: v RSA, Melbourne, Dec 9, 1993
The champion fast bowler hopes to end a magnificent career by helping Australia retain the World Cup.
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Andrew Symonds (RHB/RAOB)
Age: 31. ODI appearances: 161. First cap: v PAK, Lahore, Nov 10, 1998
The aggressive all-rounder is so vital to Australia's chances that he was picked for the World Cup even though he may not be available till the later stages of the tournament due to a bicep injury.
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Shaun Tait (RHB/RAF)
Age: 23. ODI appearances: 4. First cap: v ENG, Sydney, Feb 2, 2007
The young pace bowler goes to the World Cup knowing he must justify his surprise selection ahead of Ashes star Stuart Clark.
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Shane Watson (RHB/RAFM)
Age: 25. ODI appearances: 57. First cap: v RSA, Centurion, March 24, 2002
The pugnacious all-rounder is no Symonds but is still expected to make a mark with both bat and ball on the greatest platform in the sport.
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(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)