Michael Hussey talks about a possible comeback and why he refused coaching the Indian side
Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey, known as Mr. Cricket to all the cricket lovers all over the world, has an unparallel passion and knowledge about the game. Such was his form in the Big Bash League 2015-16, that it had raised speculations about his possible return to the Australian side.
The 40-year-old, who is a veteran of over 1000 competitive games, walked out to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the final time on January 16. Hussey, who retired from international cricket in 2013, is BBL's second highest scorer with 277 runs at a world-class average of 55.40, this season.
He had slammed 41 off 29 in Sydney Thunder's must-win game against Sydney Sixers. They went on to win and kept their semi-final hopes alive, before eventually setting up a clash with the Adelaide Strikers on January 21, and Hussey walked out to a standing ovation from an emotional SCG crowd.
On January 17 in Melbourne, Hussey talked about the game which made him Mr. Cricket. He said, "I love the contest between bat and ball. I guess playing is still fun. I still enjoy the training, still enjoy competing with the younger guys and sometimes coming out on top, sometimes not. It's still good fun to play."
When he was asked about his return to international cricket in ICC World T20, Hussey said, "No no no no. I'm actually with the Australian team as a consultant coach for the first couple of weeks. I definitely won't be playing.
“I'll be throwing balls in the nets. T20 is a little easier on the older body. Rather than playing all year round in 50-over and Test cricket, you still get plenty of time away from the game as well. You get time with the family at home but you can also come away and play some cricket as well.”
By the time he got his first opportunity to play for his national side he was already a giant of the domestic game with over 15,000 runs to his name. When the international opportunity came knocking, Hussey ensured he took full advantage.
The 40-year-old also mentioned, "I don't think any international player has had it easy. It's never easy, but I know what you mean. I certainly never took it for granted and I can empathize with guys that have struggled because I've certainly struggled as well."
After his shock retirement in 2013, Hussey gradually moved to coaching. It was an almost natural move considering Hussey's deep love for cricket.
Before the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, it was reported that India captain MS Dhoni had subtly recommended Hussey as India's next coach. The Australian dismissed the claim by saying 'he was not ready for such a big challenge.' But it was surely an indication of how highly Hussey is rated as a cricketing mind.