Hussey wins Twenty20 reprieve after Marsh injury

Shaun Marsh's lingering back problem has given Michael Hussey a chance to gatecrash the World Twenty20 after he was called into Australia's squad for the opening two games of the New Zealand tour. Hussey's Twenty20 prospects seemed bleak when he was left out of the original unit and he has not been required since the team was knocked out in the first round of last year's global event in England.

Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said Hussey had a chance to push for a spot in the World Twenty20 squad for the event in the Caribbean in April and May. "Hussey has shown excellent form throughout this Australian summer, is well equipped for Twenty20 cricket and thoroughly deserves this opportunity," he said.

Hussey, who remains a key figure in the 50-over team, has played 18 Twenty20 internationals and scored 226 runs at a strike-rate of 134.52. The first match of the tour is in Wellington on Friday and is followed by the game in Christchurch on Sunday.

Marsh, the opener, hurt his back in the warm-up before the third ODI against West Indies two weeks ago and has been hampered ever since. "While he continues to improve there are still some signs of the injury," Alex Kountouris, Australia's physio, said. "He will continue to be monitored before a decision is made on his availability for the one-day component of the tour to New Zealand."