A basic honesty shines through his visage. Integrity was ingrained in his cricket. Add to that skill and intelligence and you got a wholesome package that was Michael Hussey.
This left-hander had his heart in the right place, put his hand up in times of adversity and manipulated the bowling with a brand of cricket that was solid and smart. A team-man, he comprehended the game’s ebb and flow, could change gears.
On the field, he was a match-winner. Off it, he is a charming conversationalist who never ceases to flash his trademark smile.
Asked about what he looked for first in a youngster, Hussey — he is here as an expert commentator for TNPL — replied “Character. Talent comes only after that.” These are days when he is into mentoring and coaching.
Talking about Anil Kumble-Virat Kohli face-off, Hussey noted, “Anil must have done many honourable things as a coach. But unless you were in the inner sanctum of the Indian team, you would not know what the differences between them were.”
He added, “The rapport between the coach and the captain is vital and Anil did the honourable thing by leaving.”
Different personalities
He was appreciative of Kohli’s leadership. “I have really enjoyed Kohli’s captaincy. He really sets high standards. M.S. Dhoni, too, had his successes but they are different personalities.”
The 42-year-old Aussie with over 12,000 international runs conceded former Indian batting giant V.V.S. Laxman had sounded him out about a possible Indian coaching job.
Hussey replied he could not accept a full time role that would keep him away from his family for nearly 11 months a year. “But I can always do shorter stints like at the IPL.”
If the offer came from Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Hussey said he would accept it. An integral part of the CSK during its glory years with his cool and calculated ways at the crease, Hussey said it would not be easy for the franchise when it returns to the competition.
He observed, “A lot can happen in two years. The players are not the same, the teams are not the same and you need to re-build. But CSK’s management gives the coaching staff and the cricketers the freedom to find solutions.”
Dhoni, he believed, should be allowed to leave at the time of his choosing.
“He has done a lot for India and should go on his own terms. If Dhoni feels he can contribute to India in the 2019 World Cup, he will continue, otherwise he would leave on his own.”
Cricket to Hussey is a lot about leaving the negative thoughts in “the locker room and going and playing the game you know the best.”
He spoke about Steve Smith retaining faith in his unorthodox ways at the crease, despite the criticism, and developing into one of the top batsmen in the world. “It’s all in the mind,” he said.
For Hussey — the Finisher — it was always a question of mind over matter.
