MELBOURNE, Jan 26: Australia could be forced to drop batsman Michael Bevan from their squad for next month’s World Cup because of a groin muscle tear which is likely to keep him out of action for three weeks.

World Cup champions Australia start their campaign on Feb 11 against Pakistan in Johannesburg.

The Australian Cricket Board released a statement on Sunday to say scans in Melbourne overnight showed Bevan had torn his right adductor muscle.

“It will probably be two to three weeks, which is good news from my point of view,” Bevan told reporters at Sydney airport on Sunday.

“I guess it means I will miss maybe two matches maximum of the World Cup if the selectors decide to go that way,” the 32-year-old added.

Bevan said he would like to think selectors would retain him in the squad despite the doubts over his fitness.

“But from my point of view at least it’s a relief to know I will be able to play the majority of the World Cup, that’s what interests me,” he said.

“Obviously at the time it was fairly painful and this morning it’s pulled up fairly well, so I’m feeling pretty good.”

Australia chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said: “We need to consider exactly what to do, get everyone (selectors) together and talk about it, so it’s very doubtful we’ll make a decision today on it.”

Bevan set off for quick single in the second final of the triangular one-day series against England on Saturday and started limping as he struggled through to the bowler’s end before collapsing in agony.

Australia announced on Saturday Tasmania all-rounder Shane Watson had been ruled out of the World Cup because of a back injury and would be replaced by Victoria’s Ian Harvey.

Pacemen Glenn McGrath (back) and Jason Gillespie (elbow) missed the one-day finals because of injury but have been passed fit for the World Cup.—Reuters