Australia to play with 10 men in World Cup!

Sydney, Feb 6 (UNI) Australia might literally be down to ten players instead of eleven during the World Cup if all-rounder Andrew Symonds doesn't recover in time for the World Cup.

Symond's teammate Michael Hussey thinks Australia will need two players to replace the big Queenslander and while he is hopeful that Roy's damaged biceps will be flexing freely in time for the World Cup in the West Indies, Hussey admits in his column in The 'Daily Telegraph' that it doesn't look particularly good at the moment.

''He gives us so much flexibility, in batting and bowling,'' says the number one ODI player in the world.

Hussey goes on to add,''There is no doubting his ability to split a field, coming in at No.5 and smashing the ball to all parts of the ground.'' Symonds damaged his biceps and retired hurt for 39 in a rare defeat for the world champions against England at the SCG last week.

Underlinig Symonds' importance to the side, Hussey said the defending champions will miss the big-hitting all-rounder's quick reflexes and part-time bowling in the showpiece event starting next month.

''He also gives our bowling extra depth and is among the best fieldsman in the world,'' Hussey explained.

''The worst thing is, it is his right arm - the same throwing arm that causes opposition batsmen to stop in their tracks when thinking about a second run,'' he went on to add.

UNI