Ponting wants a bowler to replace Bollinger

Doug Bollinger has long gone home and Australia is yet to name a replacement for him at the World Cup.

There's news in various sections of the media that the three-time defending champions will use the opportunity to recall the dependable Mike Hussey, who was named in the original squad of 15 but missed the bus owing to injury.

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Asked about the same on the eve of Australia's game against Sri Lanka, at the Premadasa on Saturday, Ricky Ponting replied in the affirmative.

"There is a chance that he might come," said Australia's captain, adding, "I believe he is playing a game today.

"It will be interesting to see how he goes through that game."

Having said that, Ponting explained though he would be happy to see Hussey back with the team, his preference would be something else.

"I would like the substitute to be a bowler than a batter," he admitted, reiterating what he had said soon after Bollinger was ruled out.

"This would give us a few more options to choose from," he added, before going on to explain why he feels the selection committee has delayed the naming of the substitute player.

"The reason why the selectors have waited so long is to see how the fast bowlers here are doing," reasoned Ponting, adding, "Some of the guys here, like Shaun Tait, are trying to get back to full fitness.

"And with the longer breaks that we are having in between games, if any guy has some niggle he's got a chance to get over it."

Ponting, however, expects the selectors to take a decision soon.

"We cannot afford to wait long for the substitution to be made," he admitted, adding, "After the 7-8 day break we get following the Sri Lanka match, we have three matches in quick succession.

"So I would be surprised if that announcement is not made right after this game."