Australia to go in without specialist spinner

Gros Islet (St.Lucia):

Australia are likely to drop specialist spinner Nathan Hauritz on a slow deck at the Beausejour Cricket Ground when they open their World Twenty20 campaign against defending champions Pakistan here on Sunday.

Hauritz was unimpressive during the two practice matches and went wicketless. But if he is left out, Australia would be the only side in the tournament not fielding a specialist spinner.

"Playing Pakistan, we need to have a look at how they play spin bowling, which they face a lot of. Also having David Hussey in the team, who can bowl some off-spin probably makes it harder for Haury," Australian captain Michael Clarke was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Australia's match will be the second game of the day at the Beausejor Cricket Ground and Clarke said if the pitch had deteriorated to the point where more spin was predicted, Hauritz would come back into calculations. All-rounder Steve Smith would shoulder the spin burden, with Clarke and Hussey.

"I've seen how well (Hauritz has) bowled in one-day cricket, and how well he's performed in Twenty20 cricket. If conditions suit that extra spin option, he could definitely play a big part," said Clarke.

Opening batsman David Warner has already made a strong case to be one of the players to watch out for in tournament following successive half-centuries in the practice games.

"With Davey you have to give him the freedom to play his way. He's got no restrictions on the way he plays. He plays a huge part, like Matty Hayden used to for us," Clarke said.