DOUG BOLLINGER THINKS PAKISTAN CAN BE A TOUGH CHALLENGE FOR AUSTRALIA - ICC WORLD CUP 2011

Doug Bollinger thinks Pakistan can be a tough challenge for Australia - ICC World Cup 2011

Australian bowler, Doug Bollinger, who was ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2011 due to an ankle injury stated that Australia is under great pressure for their next match against Pakistan.

Bollinger who had to leave the Subcontinent  due to an injury to his ankle said that Australia still have two matches to be played against minnows Canada and Kenya, but their match with Pakistan would be a dangerous task. Bollinger appreciated the performance of the Pakistan cricket team in their match against the Kiwis by saying, “I think they’ve played really well. Shahid Afridi is leading really well and I think Pakistan have to be seen as one of the favourites to perform.”

Talking about his departure from the World Cup, he said that it was very disappointing and heart breaking that he had to leave the Subcontinent and return home for treatment. He said that it was his first World Cup and it was very distressing that he has to watch the whole tournament from home and not play alongside his team. Bollinger had always dreamed of playing in the World Cup.

Bollinger further said that he tried hard to play through the pain but could not do so and that is why he was forced to leave the tournament early to seek treatment. If his ankle does not heal in time he also may not be able to play in the Sheffield Shield final. However, Bollinger is hopeful for a speedy recovery.

Michael Hussey, another legendary Australian cricketer, has been selected to replace Doug Bollinger. Bollinger mentioned the he is content with Hussey’s selection as his stand-in for the ongoing mega event.

He said, “I think it’s great, I think he’d be very happy and hope he goes well. If he gets a game, I hope he goes well. He’s one of the senior players, he’s a great one-day player and he’s got a lot of experience as well, so he’ll be great to have around the squad.”

Dirk Nannes, the Victorian fast bowler, has been called up as a standby. It is still doubtful whether he will be anywhere in the 15-man squad for the remaining tournament. Bollinger is of the view that Australia is the strongest contender for the World Cup, and the team is in full form to win the coveted trophy for the fourth time consecutively.

The Aussie player said that he saw high spirits and confidence in his team-mates during his short lived stay inIndia. He also said that the Australian team should easily win their matches against Kenya and Canada. The Australian player is expecting his team to do well in the remainder of the event and hoped that they will bring the coveted trophy back home a fifth time.

Tagged in: Australia, World Cup, Doug Bollinger, Pakistan, ICC, 2011, Ankle injury, Ruled out