Hopes named as cover for Watson

Queensland all-rounder James Hopes has been placed on standby for the injured Shane Watson should he be unable to take any further part in the tournament.

Watson injured his left calf during Australia’s win over Bangladesh which has put him in doubt for the rest of the tournament, although there is still hope he could be available come the semi-finals.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch stated that “It’s not with a move to Shane leaving the group. The intention and the expectation is that Shane will recover and play a vital part in the World Cup.”

“We have no domestic cricket in Australia at the moment so we have taken the liberty of naming James a shadow player. He has joined the centre of excellence about two days ago and has resumed training and bowling and batting.”

Hopes has played nine one-day internationals for Australia and has taken four wickets at 67.25 while averaging 28 with the bat. He was the best bowler in the Ford Ranger Cup this season taking 20 wickets at 21.05 along with scoring 303 runs at 33.67.