Lee must for Australia's attempt to defend World Cup in sub continent: Clark

Sydney, Feb 11 (ANI): Injured and facing an uncertain future in international cricket, Brett Lee has been backed to succeed at the 2011 World Cup by long-time bowling rival Stuart Clark.

Lee is not on the list for selection for the World Cup in the subcontinent. He has not featured in any of the four Herald experts' World Cup XIs and has several bowlers ahead of him should he attempt a return.

With Doug Bollinger and Mitchell Johnson near-certainties, latest find Ryan Harris is the frontrunner for a berth in the starting side for Australia's World Cup opener against Zimbabwe on February 21 in Ahmedabad, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Others in the race are Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle, Clint McKay, Nathan Bracken and Shaun Tait, but Clark said Lee was a must for Australia's attempt at a fourth consecutive cup win.

"If fully fit, Lee in India with his reverse swing is going to be a major weapon. I also think he can hit the ball at the end of the innings, which is very important," Clark said.

With Australia in the midst of one of the great ODI form runs, having won 26 of their past 31 games, the make-up of their best XI is becoming difficult to name.

Selectors will probably name a 15-man squad for the tournament.

New additions to the side for the series against the West Indies, Tim Paine and Adam Voges, will get an opportunity to press their claims at the SCG on Friday, while Callum Ferguson recovers from injury. (ANI)