Cricket World Cup: Indian great Rahul Dravid questions Michael Clarke selection

INDIAN batting great Rahul Dravid says the selectors’ gamble to include an injured Michael Clarke for the World Cup is “un-Australian.”

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 12: Star Sports commentator Rahul Dravid ahead of day four of 1st Investec Test match between England and India at Trent Bridge on July 12, 2014 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

INDIAN batting great Rahul Dravid says the selectors’ gamble to include an injured Michael Clarke for the World Cup is “un-Australian.”

Dravid says going into next month’s tournament without skipper Clarke, who is recovering from hamstring injury but has been named in a 15-man squad, would not necessarily have weakened the team’s chances.

However Mike Hussey, a teammate of Clarke’s in a World Cup-winning side in 2007, has rubbished any suggestion Clarke isn’t still part of Australia’s best line-up.

Michael Clarke’s place in Australia’s World Cup squad has been called into question.

“Without him (Clarke) being in the squad and you just bring Steven Smith into it, they don’t look a weaker side at all,” Dravid told the cricinfo website.

“In fact, some people might argue they actually look a better side.

“I just hope it is not an emotional decision.

Rahul Dravid says Michael Clarke’s selection for the World Cup is un-Australian

“You just felt they had to take this decision. It’s almost a very un-Australian decision.”

Hussey says Clarke’s batting ability and captaincy make him an “extremely important” member of the team.

Clarke has been told by chairman of selectors Rod Marsh he must be fit for Australia’s second World Cup clash on February 21 or he’ll be replaced in the squad.

Steve Smith and George Bailey have captained Australia in Clarke’s absence.

“I can understand they want to get team sorted before getting into the real business end, so whether it’s with or without Michael, they can get the team balanced and prepared, a bit of continuity leading into the quarter-final stage,” Hussey told the Herald Sun yesterday in Hobart.

“But he’s such a quality player and he has World Cup-winning experience, I would have given him longer if I was the man in charge.”

Originally published as Cricket World Cup: Indian great Rahul Dravid questions Michael Clarke selection