Cricket
Hussey: Australia must improve
2012-08-27 13:26
Dubai - Experienced batsman Michael Hussey
said Australia were determined to bounce back by winning their limited
series against Pakistan which starts in Sharjah on Tuesday.
The
37-year-old left-hander missed Australia's tour of England last month
due to family reasons but believed Australia 4-0 loss in his absence
makes them more determined to win.
"We're very determined. The
guys have got a real sting in the tail after losing in England and we
want to put in a very good performance," said Hussey on Monday.
The
ever-reliable Hussey, who has so far played 182 one-day and 78 Tests in
a glorious career, believed a break was good for him.
"It was
great to be back around the team, no question. Having a break makes you
realise how much you enjoy playing for Australia and my enthusiasm and
energy for the game has risen more by being able to have a rest," said
Hussey.
Asked if Australia were as prepared for the Pakistan
series, Hussey said: "It remains to be seen, I guess. We've won in
places like India before. The last time we came here we beat Pakistan in
one-days," said Hussey of 3-2 win in 2009.
Hussey said his
experience in the humid conditions of Chennai during his stint in the
Indian Premier League will help him combat the oppressive 35-plus
temperatures in United Arab Emirates.
"These conditions are very
oppressive. But... the guys are in pretty good shape. When you do play
pretty much all the previous year, there are times when you do start to
get mentally and physically fatigued.
"I don't think we'll be
letting the heat be an excuse for any poor performance. I've played in
Chennai, even in just Twenty20 games, and that's a lot hotter than
playing out here," Hussey said.
"In Chennai the temperature might
be only mid-30s but the humidity is unbelievable. That's probably the
most oppressive conditions I've ever had to play in.
"Having said
that, it's still extremely tough (in Sharjah). I only batted for 15
overs the other day and I was pretty knackered by the end of it," said
Hussey of Australia's 66-run win against Afghanistan in Sharjah on
Saturday.
He made a brisk 37-ball 49 in Australian total of 272-8 in 50 overs.
Hussey
said he was ready to open the innings in case the team management asks
him in order to shield Matthew Wade who opened the innings on Saturday
and then kept wicket.
"Whatever the team needs," said Hussey. "If
'Wadey' did make a hundred in these oppressive conditions batting first
and then has to go straight out and 'keep, that would be a difficult
thing," Hussey said.
The second one-day will be played in Abu
Dhabi on August 31 followed by the third in Sharjah on September 3. The
three Twenty20 internationals will be played in Dubai on September 5, 7
and 10.