Nannes to join Aussies as standby player for WC

Australian chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch has said that Victorian Bushrangers fast bowler Dirk Nannes 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 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 remaining World Cup matches are against minnows Kenya and Canada on March 13 and 16 in Bangalore before playing Pakistan in Colombo three days later.