Mike Hussey included in Australia World Cup squad

Mike Hussey has been included in Australia's squad for the forthcoming World Cup despite carrying a "significant left hamstring injury".

The batsman suffered the problem during the first one-day international (ODI) against England in Melbourne and Cricket Australia are still waiting to discover the extent of the problem.

The defending champions have also included experienced faces such as Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Brett Lee in the squad.

As for Hussey's injury, Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Scans have confirmed that Mike Hussey sustained a significant left hamstring injury during the first ODI against England at the MCG.

"The course of management for this injury will be determined in the next 24 hours."

While Hussey and Ponting, who is suffering a finger injury, will miss the remainder of the one-day series against England, the rest of the World Cup squad will be the same group who take on the Ashes holders.

Among those to miss out for the tournament next month were the veteran batsman Brad Hodge and the Test spinner Xavier Doherty.

Andrew Hilditch, chairman of the National Selection Panel, backed the squad to retain their World Cup crown on the sub-continent.

"The NSP has selected a squad we believe is capable of winning a fourth successive ICC Cricket World Cup in sub-continental conditions," he said.

"As the world's No 1 ranked one-day team and as the holders of both the ICC Cricket World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy, Australia has been planning for this tournament for some time and we feel this side is well balanced.

"It includes the experience of Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Brett Lee, and also some young talent like Steve Smith.

"Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin were all also part of the victorious 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup squad that went unbeaten in the Caribbean, so there is plenty of character in this group of Australian cricketers.

"One of the major decisions to be made in this squad was ensuring the balance was right in the squad to provide the best cover for all positions in the event of injury, illness or form issues that may arise."

Australia squad: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin (wkt), John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine (wkt), Steve Smith, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Cameron White.