Gilchrist to miss start of WC

Wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin will be going to the Caribbean for the World Cup next month after it was confirmed that Adam Gilchrist will miss the start of the competition, opting to stay at home with his wife for the birth of their third child.

Gilchrist, who caries much of Australia’s hopes of a third successive World Cup victory on his shoulders, was granted compassionate leave by Cricket Australia.

It is widely expected that in-form New South Welshman, Brad Haddin, will be selected as a replacement when the squad is announced on Tuesday.

Haddin has had a fantastic domestic season leading up the World Cup, scoring 406 runs at 67.67 in the one-day game and 669 runs at 55.75 in First Class cricket.