Australia were dealt with a severe blow ahead of their Cricket World Cup title defence after batting mainstay Michael Hussey and spinner Nathan Hauritz were ruled out of the mega-event due to injuries. Both Hussey and Hauritz suffered injuries during the just concluded ODI series against England and had undergone surgeries. While Hussey had suffered a hamstring tendon rupture, Hauritz dislocated his right shoulder. Cricket Australia has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to replace Hussey with Callum Ferguson and Hauritz with Jason Krejza.