David Hussey's languid batting has been a feature of the tri-series. The lanky right-hander has struck the ball with grace and timing.
The younger Hussey is desperately keen that Australia wraps up the triangular competition 2-0 here on Tuesday. “We need to close out the series with a professional performance. We want to play good cricket, maybe come up with the perfect game at the right time.”
The right-handed Hussey has a whopping 413 runs in the competition at 68.83 (strike-rate 104.03). He has made runs at the crunch, dented the opposition bowling with clean hits.
But then, in the first final at the Gabba it was the 34-year-old Hussey's off-spin that turned the game for his side. His four for 43 against the Sri Lankans was a critical element in Australia's narrow 15-run win.
Asked about his bowling, Hussey said, “I have always enjoyed bowling in the nets. A couple of years ago I was classified as a batsman and a muck-around nets bowler who bowled at tail-enders. Now I take my bowling more seriously. I open the bowling in twenty20 games and want to bowl key overs in one-day cricket.”
Hussey does not consider himself a spinner with great ability though. “If I hit a few pebbles, they might turn a bit,” he said. But he also spoke about wanting to contribute with the ball by bringing about greater consistency in his line and length.
The right-hander said the Sri Lankan fight-back at the Gabba surprised the Aussies. Hussey had words of appreciation for Kulasekara. “He desperately wants to win games for his team. He does not want to give his wicket away and is a bit of a fighter.”
Hussey conceded Australia would have to bowl better at the death. “If we can just execute our skills and bowl the yorkers with greater accuracy, we will go a long way towards winning the game.”
He hoped the match-winning David Warner, grappling with a strained groin, would be fit for the second final. “He is an integral part of the team. Being an opener, his role is a key one. I hope he recovers and gets another big hundred for us.”
Hussey also had good words to say about paceman Clint McKay. “He has bowled very well in the series, both against India and Sri Lanka. If he gets a game here, he should do well.”
