Mr. Cricket

When someone starts their international cricket career at 30, it is normally thought that this is a stop-gap arrangement. But Michael Hussey ensured it wasn't that. Since his debut in 2004 against India, Hussey has gone on to be a regular member of the Australian team (Test and ODI) and is today considered among the best finishers in one-day cricket.

His call-up wasn't entirely by luck though. He has had a long time of playing cricket at First-class level including seasons in England. So when Michael Bevan was no more part of the team and a finisher was found missing, Hussey proved to be the natural choice. And he did fit into the role with consummate ease too. Throughout his international career, he has made a mark for himself as a steady left-hander who can accelerate towards the end to ensure a big score or pace an innings to perfection to ensure a win. Both crucial roles and Hussey's temperament seem to suit both requirements just fine.

His best innings to date has been a 109 not out in a losing cause against the West Indies. Ten scores of fifty-plus and being not out in half the innings he has played does help boost up the average to a surreal 71.77, though!


The main things Hussey brings to the Australian team are his outstanding fielding and also some bowling. A part-time swing bowler, he has not had too many chances or successes with the ball, but he can be called upon if needed. And perhaps, there is more to him than just a player.
Australia has had a long line of successful captains and Hussey may just be the next one. He has the experience at the first-class level and now, in Australia's three-match ODI tour of New Zealand, he will captain the team in the absence of Ponting and Gilchrist. Perhaps a sign of things to come?

Age will have no bearing on Hussey's career, for at 32, he is still as fit as any of the younger guys. He has the hunger to succeed and the skill and temperament to match. In his first World Cup (which he most definitely will play barring injury), he will be one of the mainstays of Australia's defence of the title. With Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds and Ricky Ponting, he forms the crux of the Australian middle order. He will certainly be one of the main players the opposition has to watch out for.