Hussey can wait

Hussey, ranked the number one ODI batsman in the world usually bats at number seven for Australia but was promoted to number five as the World Champions stumbles to a precarious three for 34 in pursuit of England’s paltry 169.

While Damien Martyn cruised to a carefree 78 from 91 balls, Hussey scored a patient 32 from 85 deliveries faced.

The truly fine players have the ability to play the moving ball late. Hussey fulsomely displayed this characteristic against England, blunting the new-ball assault of James Anderson and Sajid Mahmood, who were both gaining substantial swing and bowling at good pace when the West Australian came to the crease.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, he revealed that it was only a last-minute decision which saw him promoted ahead of Andrew Symonds and Michael Clarke. Despite the change in plans, Hussey indicated that he enjoyed the move and would like to bat up the order more often. “If that situation arises again I’d love to do it, but I don’t think it’s going to be a common thing…. It’s something I’ve been craving, really. The scoring rate was still pretty good at that stage so I didn’t have to rush. I could take my time and just hang in there for a while”.

Averaging an amazing 79.58 in 45 ODIs, Hussey is now a key component of Australia’s line-up in both forms of the game. His flexibility as a batsman adds an extra dimension to the middle order as he combines an ability to play re-building innings such as that against England with the devastating strokeplay which has seen his career strike-rate rise to 90 runs per 100 balls.