Gilchrist expected to play World Cup warm-up

SYDNEY: The injury-ravaged Australian team finally had some reason to smile after vice-captain Adam Gilchrist on Saturday made himself available for their entire World Cup campaign following the early arrival of his third child on Friday.

The swashbuckling wicket keeper, who was earlier set to miss the first three weeks of the mega-event after getting compassionate leave from Cricket Australia, said though he would not be leaving with the main squad but will join them before their first warm-up  match.

Gilchrist and his wife Melinda announced that Archie Douglas, their third child, was born on Friday at St John of God Hospital in Subiaco.

''We're delighted that Archie has arrived safely as a brother for Harrison (5) and Annie (2). Melinda and Archie are fit and well and our thanks go to all the staff at the hospital, who were brilliant,'' the Gilchrist family said in a statement.

''As planned, Adam will spend a few days with his family before travelling to the Cricket World Cup and will not depart with the main squad. Adam should arrive in the Caribbean shortly before Australia's first practice match and will be available for selection for the entire 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup,'' the statement went on to add.