The 2003 World Cup Champions Australia, arrived in Guyana last evening, for the start of their tour of the West Indies.
The Australians however, have suffered a minor setback with the non-arrival of ace fast bowler Glen Mc Grath and middle order batsman Damien Martyn.
As such the team of fifteen players has been reduced to thirteen.
Media manager Jonathan Rose, who spoke to Stabroek Sport, revealed that the players were tired after their long hours of flying and that a press conference is planned for today at their team hotel, Le Meridien Pegasus at 15:00hrs.
Team manager Steve Bernard also spoke with Stabroek Sport and revealed that Mc Grath and Martyn are not here at this point in time for different reasons.
Bernard said that Mc Grath flew up to London with the team but received a phone call from Australia informing him that his wife was not well and so he flew back to Australia to be with her.
The manager explained that Martyn on the other hand, had suffered a broken index finger on his right hand and will have to pass a fitness test in the next few days before a decision is made on whether he will travel to the Caribbean.
The manager said that the Australian authorities will be in a better position to make an announcement about the two players in the next 48 hrs.
The manager while confirming that 13 players were here said, “we certainly can’t afford to lose any more members of the team right now”.
The manager was asked about security concerns of the team and said that they were assured by Guyana Cricket Board president Chetram Singh that their security would be guaranteed.
Stabroek Sport observed a number of police `crack’ troops at the airport who were preparing to escort the team to Georgetown.
Bernard said that he does not want to make any predictions about what will happen in the series but he added that if Australia play to their full potential then they will be victorious.
He mentioned that West Indies play well at home and as a result they will be competitive and Australia would not want to underestimate them.
He said that in 1999 Australia had a good side that toured and yet they were only able to draw that series 2-2.
He revealed that this is his sixth trip to the Caribbean and that he has always enjoyed visiting this part of the world.