Australia order players out of state final

Australia are taking no chances on further injuries ahead of the World Cup and have ordered their squad members not to play for their states in the Ford Ranger Cup final on Sunday. Queensland had named Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson, while Victoria were expected to play Brad Hodge in the MCG clash.

Matthew Hayden was originally included in the Bulls' line-up but was ruled out when he broke a toe during his record-breaking 181 against New Zealand on Tuesday. Andrew Symonds (arm) and Brett Lee (ankle) are already in doubt for the West Indies trip and Michael Clarke is carrying a hip problem, leading the selectors to be extra-cautious with their remaining players.

Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said he had discussed the situation with Hodge, Watson and Johnson. "All three are being rested on the recommendation of the Australian coach and support staff on the basis that this is in the best interests of the Australian team as they continue their preparation for the World Cup," Hilditch said.

The decision angered Terry Oliver, the Queensland coach, who said his players should be available unless they are injured. "If there is a plan to rest players just for the sake of being rested, I'd be very disappointed," Oliver told The Courier-Mail. "There is a duty under their contracts to play state cricket. I have had a look at the schedule for the World Cup and it's not that heavy. Watto [Watson] is one bloke who would certainly benefit from this game of cricket on the weekend."

Australia's move came as Johnson told the paper he would require "clean-up" injections for a minor injury to his right ankle. John Buchanan, the Australia coach, said it would be disappointing for the state competition that the stars would not be there but it was a necessary precaution.

"Having been a state coach I understand the position of the states and recognise that this is a premier fixture in the domestic calendar," Buchanan said. "But in this case I believe there's a bigger picture and that's the World Cup and the preparation of players in the Australian squad for that tournament."