Hussey heartbeat of batting unit: Fleming

Yet again, Michael Hussey showed his master-class against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders with a match-winning innings of 95. Michael Hussey also inflicted a run-out (Bisla) in the 19th over that completely changed the course of the match as KKR needed 19 runs off the last over. Chris Morris kept his composure and bowled a brilliant last over to seal the game for the Super Kings as he conceded only four runs.

Chennai Super Kings Coach Stephen Fleming was in praise for Michael Hussey. “From our dug-out, it was a continuation of Mike Hussey this season. He’s been not only consistent but he has been quite dynamic in the way he’s scored his runs,” Fleming said. “There was criticism that Mike Hussey scores too slow, he basically plays to conditions. The last few conditions, he has played with real intent and has been quite dynamic.”

Michael Hussey’s experience at the top of the order influenced Saha to score the runs at a brisk rate. “I can’t speak more highly of Mike Hussey, the influence he has on the side, and the way he conducts himself. I know he is nicknamed Mr. Cricket, but what he means to the side is phenomenal,” said Fleming. “He is the heartbeat of the batting unit. He leads by example, not only with runs but the way he trains, the way he conducts himself.

“You could see the likes of Saha who was lifted today and played well. (Murali) Vijay has done it in the past, (Suresh) Raina enjoys playing with him, (MS) Dhoni when he gets a chance. They all enjoy batting with him because he is got such an astute awareness of the game situation.”

Fleming also appreciated Hussey for putting team before self as Hussey’s tired shot in the 16th over denied his century. “He was, if we were to say, struggling from about 60 runs on but the desire to convert a start and make sure what was a winning score overrode the personal discomfort he had,” said Fleming. “And it really wasn’t discomfort, it was really hot but the way he did that, he should have got a hundred, was inspirational.”

Fleming also said that Bisla’s innings of 92 helped KKR inch closer towards our massive score of 200. He also pointed out that the fielders were under tremendous pressure and consequently, they fumbled their chances in the field. “It was very close. We were under some real pressure. We were good for the first 20 overs, and just passable for the second 20,” he said. “We dropped some catches, we fumbled under pressure, and we again got hit by Bisla who seems to have a romance with this ground. Every thing he tries turns to gold, and he put us under pressure again.

“It can happen, and as I said we were under pressure. Sides field well when they are on the front foot and dominating. At no stage we were dominating even when they needed 15-16 runs an over. They have got some good hitting power and till Bisla was still there, they were able to work around him.”

Fleming also praised Chris Morris for his brilliant last over. “We probably didn’t respond well with the ball through overs 12 to 18 but rectified it with a couple of great overs. The last over in particular was outstanding. So, that’s pleasing because that is not the strength of CSK at this point,” Fleming said. “It is work in progress, so it was nice to get some satisfaction from the death bowling.

“We are a battling side. It may sound strange but we really fight for our wins,” Fleming said. “We have got some wonderful players, very gifted players but we are not overly polished. We are quite gritty, we just find our way to get across or survive. We almost blew it again but just managed to get across.”