Michael Hussey to work as South African cricket team consultant during World Cup

Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey will be working with the South African team in a restrained consultancy role during the ICC ODI World Cup, Cricket Australia have confirmed. South Africa, placed in Pool B along with India, West Indies, Ireland, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and United Arab Emirates, begin their World Campaign with a clash against Zimbabwe at Hamilton on February 15.

Before the team’s departure for the tournament, which is to be held in Australia and New Zealand, Proteas coach Russell Domingo had revealed that there were discussions going on with the 39-year-old about a possible deal.

Domingo said: “We’ve had some discussions with Mike Hussey about him joining us on a consultancy process. He’s a middle order batter of immense experience and knows conditions very well in Australia.

“He’ll play a very low-key role in the background.”

Hussey, who was part of Australia’s World Cup winning squad in 2007, retired from international cricket in January 2013. A regular in all three formats during his playing days, Hussey racked up more than 12,000 runs for his country.

The left-hander, now, plies his trade by playing Twenty20 cricket for domestic franchises around the world.