Australia should play in BBL to improve rankings, says David Hussey
The Australian T20 team is struggling in the T20 version, and their ranking probably reflects their struggles in the format. There are many who believe that Australia does not place enough importance to the format and hence they find themselves languishing at the sixth spot in the ICC rankings.
David Hussey, the Melbourne Stars skipper has come up with a rather radical suggestion to help Australia improve their rankings in the format. Hussey in an interview to SEN radio has said that the National team should take part in the Big Bash League during December-January every year, as many international players miss out on required experience owing to national duties. Melbourne Stars were defeated by Sydney Thunders led by Michael Hussey in the final of BBL 2015.
"This is a bit rogue but I would like to see the Aussie T20 team play in the Big Bash League and see how they go with their skills in that aspect of the game," Hussey told SEN radio.
"They've barely played any games of T20 in the Big Bash so wouldn't it be great to see Dave Warner, Steve Smith, Aaron Finch and James Faulkner play the whole season for their country playing against their original franchises. I think this would be fantastic.”
Hussey also said that he does not blame the rankings as the Australian team does not play enough T20. Compare it to the performances in Test Matches and One Day International, Australia lead the pack in both formats.
The 38-year-old believes that if players are up against the challenges present in the BBL, their skills will be honed and the selectors will be in a much better space to identify talent.
Hussey's suggestions might seem too far-fetched, but his point is certainly not off-field, as both Steven Smith and David Warner did not play in the Big Bash this season, and they are part of the leadership duo in the national team.
Australia has been beaten by India in their own backyard 3-0, and then they were brushed aside by South Africa in the first T20. However, they did stage a comeback in the 2nd T20 by chasing down a target of 204.