Australian batsman Michael Hussey is almost certain to miss the 2011 World Cup after undergoing surgery Tuesday to repair a serious hamstring injury.
Cricket Australia has not given up hope of Hussey featuring in the World Cup, which runs from mid-February to early April, and named him in a 15-man squad.
But a leading sports physician said the veteran was facing three months on the sidelines.
Surgeons in Melbourne have reattached Hussey's hamstring tendon to the bone after he broke down on Sunday night scampering for a second run, The Age reports.
Leading doctor Peter Larkins said the fact Hussey required surgery was grim for his World Cup prospects.
"All I'm suggesting is our experience with that particular injury, it's a three-month plus [recovery time] in most sports," he said.
"Even without the requirement for surgery I wouldn't be optimistic he'd be back in five weeks' time. The fact he had surgery ensures he won't be going to the World Cup," Larkins said.
Hussey's absence would be a huge blow to Australia's hopes of winning a fourth straight World Cup.
