Rajan's Wrong-un: Battered Ponting is a Waugh victim

World cup diary

What can we read into Australia's call-up of veteran batsman Mike Hussey to replace injured paceman Doug Bollinger? Two things, mainly.

First, the Aussies have noticed this is a batsman's tournament, and while they're content with their bowlers' form, they realise they can't do without Hussey's authority. Second, Steve Waugh remains deeply influential, as well he ought to. The former captain described the original omission of Hussey, who had hamstring trouble, as "staggering".

Ricky Ponting responded that it was unlikely a batsman would be called up to replace Bollinger. But clearly his predecessor's take on selection remains sacrosanct, because Ponting's early inclination has been trumped.