Nannes to join Aussies as standby player for World Cup

Australian chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch has said that Victorian Bushrangers fast bowler Dirk Nannes [ Images ] will join the squad as a standby player for the World Cup.

It comes after fast bowler Douglas Bollinger was ruled out of the squad with an ankle injury a week ago and the selection panel decided to gamble on an extra batsman with Michael Hussey [ Images ] rather than bolstering their fast-bowling stocks.

"Dirk will train with the Australian World Cup squad and be fit, available and acclimatised in the event of an injury to a fast bowler, in particular a new-ball fast bowler, in the final stages of this tournament," Fox Sports quoted Hilditch, as saying in a statement.

"Dirk has been in excellent form and played a critical role in Victoria's recent (one-day) cup victory and will be an excellent replacement bowler in the event of injury to a key opening bowler," he added.

Australia's [ Images ] remaining World Cup matches are against minnows Kenya and Canada [ Images ] on March 13 and 16 in Bangalore before playing Pakistan in Colombo three days later.