For a man who had it all……Michael Hussey

Michael Hussey often compared with Michael Bevan and rightly so. Hussey has fit into the role of Bevan so beautifully. Hussey one of the best finishers around today is a very versatile player who can be depended upon at any situation.

Hussey made his international debut against India at Perth in 2004. He took a year before he made a position in the team. But, when he did so –he did so in style and hasn’t been dropped ever since—a hallmark of a good player.

Michael Hussey had to wait for 11 years and score about 15000 runs in the domestic arena before making his debut at the international stage. That too was because Justin Langer had broken his rib. Hussey was to open. Hussey was 30 when he finally made his debut for Australia. He made a paltry score of 1 in his first innings but after that there was no looking back for Hussey as he struck gold in the 2nd test with a magnificent century. He hit another three centuries that summer. That marked Michael Hussey into international cricket.

Hussey later became a bit of a floater in the Aussie line up with no fixed batting position all to do with his versatility. I use the word ‘versatile’ very often but in the cricketing circle Michael Hussey and versatility is now one and the same thing.

You put in Michael Hussey to open—he performs. If Hussey is put into a situation with Australia at 20 for 5—he performs. If Hussey is asked to slog ’em out of the park coming in at the 45th over of the innings it’s not a problem for him. If that isn’t a definition to versatility then what is?

To add to this Hussey is a fantastic fielder (Mind you: Most Australians are) at gully and has taken some splendid catches in his not so long career. The only thing holding back the relentless Hussey- is his age. Having made his debut only at the age of 30; Hussey may find it difficult to stretch his career beyond the ashes series at home against England or at best he might drag it to the 2011 ICC World Cup which is to be held in the sub-continent. Hussey is 34 now and is looking as fit as ever.

Michael Hussey’s averaged sky rocketed to 80 at the start of his career and to his credit he was able to keep it there for about a year and a half. However, it was in mid 2008 when recession was having its major impacts and it seemed to have affected Hussey too who barely scored runs. In the next 15-18 months Hussey’s averaged dropped from a phenomenal 80 to 55 intensifying the achievement of ‘THE DON’ and all that on uncovered pitches.

Hussey is one of Australia’s best finishers and has been compared to Michael Bevan for a long time now. But, there is more to Hussey then just a finisher. He is a maneuverer, a grinder and a slogger. He’s a full pack. Unlike Bevan Hussey has performed at the test level too this just goes to show his fine technique and long hours of concentration to go with it.

After all what makes Hussey so versatile and one of Australia’s best finishers?

His nerve—Hussey always manages to keep his nerve under tensed situations. It is those situations when matches are won or lost; those situations which could change the course of the series. Hussey always comes up on top and it’s the opposition who often wilts. He’s a man of steel and is invaluable to Australia come the world cup.

Quick legs—one of the most underestimated reason perhaps but quick running between the wickets always changes the momentum of the game and a sudden look at the scoreboard takes the opposition captain by surprise. In spite of being 34 Hussey is one of the fittest going around.

Sublime timing: Michael Hussey manages to find the meat of the bat whenever he makes an effort to. When Hussey is seen playing at his best the cover drive is the 1st sign of what is to come. He’s one of the few players who manages to get the ball away with pure ease and grace.

Technique—Above all let’s not forget the man has a wonderful technique not just to last 50 Overs but to last over 5 days and he has done so and proved himself at the international level.

Michael Hussey’s career stats besides his average may not be very revealing having scored just two centuries in the ODI format. But, what stats can’t show is how invaluable Hussey has been to the team. Hussey has batted from almost all positions be it from opening right down to number 7-8. And as mentioned above give him the situation, give him the stage and give him the position—MEK Hussey will have his work cut out—but will come out on top.

Hussey currently tops the charts for the number one ranked batsman in the world and rightly so. He has recently overtaken Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni who had the spot for a year. Michael Hussey has been in the top 10 ODI batsmen ever since 2005 and although his form did see a slump in 2008-2009, his ODI game never seemed to get affected—it was the test game that suffered.

Nevertheless, the rut is over Michael Hussey is back and he is now not just back in the reckoning for the ashes but has booked the number four position. Hussey recently retired from the T20 form of the game—quite surprising actually as Hussey would feature in most countries top 11 in the format. Perhaps, it is his age which is an issue.

Mike Hussey has been given the nick of “MR. CRICKET” and indeed what an apt name it is for a man with all weapons in his repertoire. Truly, Versatility performed.

They started off on Boxing day: 26th December. The season with Pakistan is nearing its end. Here’s a look at the results throughout the series:
Test Matches:
1st Test: Australia VS Pakistan at Melbourne (26th Dec-30th Dec, 2009)
Result: Australia won by 170 runs.

2nd Test: Australia VS Pakistan at Sydney (3rd Jan-6th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 36 runs.

3rd Test: Australia VS Pakistan at Hobart (14th Jan- 18th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 231 runs.

ODI Series:

1st ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Brisbane (22nd Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 5 wickets.

2nd ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Sydney (24th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 140 runs.

3rd ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Adelaide (26th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 40 runs.

4th ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Perth (29th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 135 runs.

5th ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Perth (31st Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 2 wickets.

One easy observation off all this is — taking nothing away from the Aussies but Pakistan dug the pit themselves. Yes, they were outplayed but this all began after the Sydney fiasco. After Australia showed their fighting spirit in the Sydney test and won from the mandibles of defeat –Pakistan seemed to have given up. As far as Australia were concerned there was no looking back in their case. They wanted to improve on their performance and Damn well they did. The Aussies not just improved but dominated Pakistan throughout the test as well as the ODI series. The Aussies were relentless with their pace attack and bombed the Pakistani’s with 150+kmph bowling at the WACA. Some of the best performances that raised an eyebrow or two in the Test and ODI series are:

Pakistan

Umar Akmal- Umar Akmal performed pretty decently throughout the tour. He got constant starts in both the Test and ODI format. However, he wasn’t able to convert that into a big one. Perhaps, that was his only short-coming. Otherwise the young 19 year old has performed very well on just his second tour outside the sub-continent and his first against one of the top ranked teams. Umar Akmal is one to watch out for and it is vital that the Pakistani board do take good care of him and nurture the young man’s talent. One wasted opportunity that went begging was Akmal at 3. The management and the skipper Yousuf should have promoted the younger Akmal to 3 considering Younis khan’s poor run with the bat. Nevertheless, Akmal did the best possible,
He could do. Unfortunately, it was not enough for his team.

Mohd Asif- Asif broke into the spotlight with a wonderful display of bowling in the first innings of the Sydney test match with a 6- for. The lanky pace man with his wing and seamed got the Aussie batsmen wanting and was instrumental in bundling out the Aussies for a paltry score of 127. Asif however, was plagued with injuries throughout the series and missed out on quite a few matches. However, he did make good use of his opportunities and performed well in both forms of the game.

Mohd Aamer- Mohd Aamer, in spite of playing very few matches. He is Pakistan’s most interesting and exciting prospect in the future. Aamer with his skiddy pace and all this just at the age of 17 troubled Australia’s best batsmen. His swing at pace didn’t allow the batsmen to score freely especially in the death Overs. In an era where bowlers are injured more than wrestlers the Pakistan cricket board must like Umar Akmal nurture Mohd Aamer’s gifted talent so that he remains injury free and is Pakistan’s next left arm sensation.

Australia
Hard to name the whole team but, the whole team must be credited for their performance and for bringing the best out of each other at crucial moments.

Shane Watson- Shane Watson has simply matured beautifully as not just as batsman but an all rounder. His batting skills in both forms of the game have been exemplary and he has chipped in with his bowling at crucial moments across both series providing crucial breakthroughs. Watson had a wonderful test series against the Windies and continued in the same vain as Pakistan arrived. He deserved a much needed break at the latter stages of the ODI series. Watson is finally reaping the awards he put in behind the scenes. Watson must ensure that his body stays injury free and willing and the 27 year old could become one of the best all-rounder’s in the world.

Simon Katich- Katich has continued his good form for about a year now and has been one of Australia’s most un-noticed consistent performer. Katich’s effort must be lauded as he has been party to many Australian wins.

Michael hussey-MR. Cricket. The perfect name for the man. Fortunately, for Australia he has proven his test spot as well and has made it its own before too many questions were raised. He now looks a firm number 4 for the ashes and shall be one of australia’s pilgrim at the top of the order.

Ryan Harris- Played 3 matches picked up 13 wickets including two five fors and bagged the man of the series award. What a revelation! Truly, describes Australian cricket.

Doug Bollinger- Bollinger made his test debut last season against south Africa at home. His performance was ordinary. Take things forward 1 year later. With Mitchell Johnson resting for some part of the season Bollinger is Australia’s strike bowler. And, mind you Bollinger is still only a replacement for lee or bracken. Is that all about to change? Possibly, yes. Bollinger hasn’t put a foot wrong and should keep his spot even if Australia play full strength.

Both teams had weaknesses. Pakistan need to improve on their lackluster fielding and must show more will and determination in improve. Somehow one feels that with Mohd Yousuf as captain that spark seems to be missing. Pakistan need to Improve soon enough so that they can put forward a better display in the sole T20 contest where fielding is of utmost priority and then carry the same against England.

For Australia everything seems perfect at the moment. If they’d want anything, that would be their captain to strike gold again. Ponting after a super series in the Champions trophy as well as a good one in India has looked pretty average and much below his standards. Barring the match at Hobart ponting has had one of his worst home seasons. But, who can ever question Ricky Ponting. Who can ever question a great.

One thing is for sure ponting will definitely fight back and prove his critics wrong. As far as Australia are concerned they must win this one off T20 contest especially with the young blood that they have infused into their squad and better their T20 record. Australia have an ODI series with the West Indies to come followed by a trip to New Zealand for a 2 T20, 5 ODI’S and a 2 test series. They would want to continue their winning run and re assert their power as the number one ranked team in all formats of the game.

Money in cricket is something that’s always been there but not to the extent that’s come in with the IPL and the champion’s league that’s to name a few. Also, commercials have been playing their role too thereby drawing the interests of the cricketers to other fields.

Two of the main recent contributors to money in cricket in the recent past have been the IPL (Indian premier league) and the Champions League 20-20. The IPL is basically a twenty-twenty competition which follows a double round robin and a knock out stage. It is now the most watched twenty20 cricket competition in the world.

On the other hand the Champions league comprises of teams from all around the world who have reached either the semi’s or finals of their domestic 20-20 championships. He organised a twenty20 competition where in the winner takes all who was to be awarded with 20million$. The match was between the West Indians and England which was eventually won by the West Indians.

Due to the severe involvement of money the cricket playing nations have started suffering where as the players don’t seem to mind it at all as they’ve been having more demand hence more options for them. One of the biggest problems for the national cricket boards has been that due to the involvement of money players who used to earlier retire at the age of 36-37 have started contemplating whether to retire a year or two early and instead play in cricket league’s like the IPL and ICL thus earn 4 times the amount of what their boards paid them annually.

An example to this has been when two English cricketing giants namely Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen had been bided for the highest amount in the IPL (both for 1.55 million$) which was to be followed by a horribly embarrassing defeat to the west indies of a 51 all-out scenario. Former English skipper Nasser Hussain has blamed his team’s loss to the recently then concluded auction which caused casualness and distraction.

Although ICL too is on the similar lines of the IPL the difference is clearly seen. ICL prides itself on giving opportunity to talented youngsters where as IPL is more about being famous. And here comes the money which sets the IPL and the ICL apart. Due to its money fame and hype IPL is a major success throughout the world where as ICL finds it difficult to even make the news papers on a regular basis. Due to this, irrespective of their performance cricketers in the ICL are unable to make it to the Indian team.

One off tournaments like the Stanford twenty20 hasn’t done much good either. Former Officials have already voiced their concerns with one of them saying that “I am pained to see how money has ruined the game, the latest example of which is the mess created by England Cricket Board’s now-terminated alliance with fraud-accused business tycoon Allen Stanford. I feel the ECB did the right thing by terminating their contracts with Stanford but I reckon the damage has already been done.”

By playing for different leagues, new different competitions players may earn money but will definitely lose their pride in playing for their country.

Spotted by Rod marsh at the age of 17 in the academy and was said to be the best teen player in Australia and rightly so. Ponting made his international debut against South Africa (1995) in a One day international at the basin reserve in wellington. The young 20 year old Tasmanian didn’t raise a lot of eyebrows in his debut innings and fell for a paltry 1 as he was given the number six position to bat. Ponting failed to make amends.

Ponting, much like Sachin Tendulkar never really made a name for himself for about 2-3 years. It wasn’t till 1997-1998 did the current champion announce himself at the international stage. He had a phenomenal year with the bat especially in the ODI Format where he made 1165 runs at an average of 53.

Unknown to many Ponting was a bit of a rebellion something like his former team mate Andrew Symonds. Drinks, pubs and brawls were ‘just the usual’ in Ponting’s case. However, just like Symonds Ponting was given a final chance too, which he accepted and 13 years on since the last incident skipper Ponting has never crossed the Line.

The time still hadn’t come where ponting was good. He was still a talented youngster and not to mention a brilliant fielder who was a regular at point-backward point for Australia. It was 2000. The decade which would not just change this boy to a man but, from talent- to good to great to a champion that he is now.

He averaged above 50 in at least one form of the game every year for the next four years. Ponting was now not just the mainstay but, formed a major chunk of the middle order. He was surprisingly promoted to skipper after Steve Waugh wasn’t picked for the world cup squad in 2003.

It was Adam Gilchrist who served as stand by captain whenever steve Waugh missed out. This was a surprise a big one at that too. Was the ACB looking at the long term future considering gilchrist was 31 and ponting was 27; but it was a risk considering the rebel that ponting had been in his early years.
However, it was a risk that paid off! Ponting brought home the world cup with a splendid performance not just as captain but as batsman too especially in the finals where he let the bat do the talking making 140* against India helping Australia post a huge score of 359.

Ponting had won Australia the world cup! Ricky Ponting had won Australia the world cup without Shane Warne! This was immensely important as it gave Australia the confidence that Shane Warne was not the be all and end all of Australian cricket. Ponting then awaited the Indians where he scored 2 double centuries in a 4 test series including his career best score of 257. 2003 was ponting’s best year with the bat as he scored more then 1500 runs and averaged more than 100 in test match cricket. His ODI performace wasn’t too bad either with over 1100 runs at 46. Ponting was now been seen as a threat to all opponents. His big match performances were making him fearful to bowl at.

Ponting continued his brilliant performance and after this particular series against India took over as Australian test captain too. Ponting was instrumental in handing the Australians the number of wins they did end up with in those two years. The Australians then flew to what was going to be their lowest point in the whole decade. They went to England to defend the ashes. There was something about the England unit- the zeal! Freddie flintoff or KP perhaps something new something refreshing!
Something the England unit never showed before!

The season was going to be a miserable one (foreshadowing) when Australia lost to Bangladesh for the first time and lost a T20 match in an embarrassing fashion to England. The 2005 ashes was now all set to get underway! The series started in typical fashion when Australia ran through England at lords. Ponting had a wonderful game too and Australia were clinical with their performance. It was not until the 3rd test at old Trafford where ponting showed his true class with a fighting last day 156 that ensured that Australia managed to keep the series at 1-1. Ponting was named man of the match for his gutsy effort and it is perhaps ponting’s most defiant innings under pressure.

Again, Come’t the hour! Come’t the man!!

Ponting did not let the ashes defeat get to him as he continued to perform and dominate bowlers at will. Ponting then went on to win Australia their first ever champions trophy in India. The ashes was next. This time in their backyard.
Australia absolutely rammed through England! A whitewash! 5-0!

Ponting’s most satisfying moments as captain I’d say! The guilt had gone. The Australians not just ponting were guilt free. They had had their revenge in the best possible manner. Ponting was prolific through the series scoring 576 runs and was deservingly adjudged Man of the series. The good run continued the run machine continued! He then went on to win Australia their 4th world cup and 3rd consecutive one. He was on a roll.

But, the roll was now about to rock and rock bad. With players namely Justin langer, Damien martyn, Shane Warne and glenn mcgath all gone everything couldn’t be perfect could it.

The Australian team were coming to the realms of things. They were coming to where other teams were. They were coming back to earth!

They thrashed New Zealand thanks to skipper ponting again who hammered 2 centuries in a 3 match ODI series. India were next! Ponting would have loved to repeat his performance the last time round the Indians were there. However, that was not to be as ponting had one of his worst summers not just as batsman but as captain. He was severely criticized and to an extent disowned by the Australian crowd after the Sydney fiasco. Ponting was in tatters with only Senior pro’s Gilchrist and Hayden remaining. Between all this Ishant Sharma was tormenting ponting.

The ODI series came and Adam gilchrist announced it would be his last summer in international cricket. Ponting had just Hayden now. Australia went on to lose against India not just the ODI series but also the test series in India. Australia were facing tough opponents!

First, India than South Africa than- The ashes. The aussies went home and lost their first home test series in a long long time. South Africa had not just created history but had inflicted pain by usurping Australia from the world no 1 throne. The game was changing. Matthew Hayden had gone too.

Ponting was left. This was his true test of character and as they say champions do fight back. Ponting went to South African soil and embarrassed the proteas with his young side and beat them 2-1 in a hard fought test series. The aussies seemed on a high again. They had found sensations in Mitchell Johnson, Marcus North and Philip Hughes. In spite of losing the ODI series the aussies still looked good for the T20 championship and the ashes to follow. Australia were blasted by gayle out of the tournament in the qualifiers itself.
Not the ideal preparation for the ashes, ehh?

Australia went into the first test match at Cardiff and dominated proceedings right from the word go with punter leading from the front with a defiant 150. Australia were extremely close from winning the first test but it was monty panesar and jimmy Anderson who denied them from the same.

England won the second test at lords thus giving Australia their first loss in an ashes test match at lords in 75 years. Ponting went on to lose the ashes thus becoming only the second captain in Australian history after Billy Murdoch to lose the ashes twice in England. Ponting’s team was shattered. The critics were out with their saws ready to drop it on ponting. There were questions about ponting handling just the test side and having Michael Clarke to handle the ODI and T20 format. Ponting returned home for a break and would resume midway through the NatWest ODI series. The critics raised many a question and ponting answered it one by one in humility. He said one thing though ‘If his body prevails he will be prepared to go back to England come 2013 and give it one more shot all be it not as captain”!

Words of a humbled man with a never say die spirit. Ponting returned to England in the 4th ODI and played some wonderful knocks including a century in the 5th ODI. Australia had soaked some of the pain up after giving England a 6-1 drubbing. They then moved to South Africa defending the champions trophy and did it with success. Ponting hit a century in the semi-finals again against England trying to win back some pride. The aussies were back to playing good cricket.

Ponting brought his men to India. He lost brett lee right in the first match of the tournament. Soon, ponting found himself without lee, Haddin, Clarke, bracken, Siddle, paine, ferguson and then hopes. Australia had lost most of their first choice players. In spite of all this Australia still managed to take the series 4-2. Ponting’s captaincy has to be lauded—it’s easy to be a great captain when you have greatness around you.

It’s easy to keep winning. Ponting and his team had suffered a string of losses in the last 12 months. His captaincy and motivation was instrumental in knitting the group together and conquering the once “final frontier”. Australia went back home after what seemed a long-long time. It was an okay tour having won the series in south Africa, the champions trophy, the natwest series and won in India. In the bargain, they had lost the T20 world cup and more importantly the ASHES. Ponting had a poor start to the season and was hit on his elbow by Kemar roach at a pacey perth wicket. This effected his batting and ponting was about to have one of his worst home summers. One match is all it takes to turn things round and so it was in ponting’s case.

One just felt he needed that scratchy 50 or 60. So, in the summers last test match in front of his home crowd at Hobart ponting went on to hit 209 and 89 in the 3rd test against Pakistan. The skipper was back. Having just completed a 5-0 whitewash of Pakistan in the ODI’s Australia seem to be as ominous as ever.

As long as ricky ponting is dawning the Australian colours “All is indeed well”!
Ponting has achieved everything he could’ve asked for. It would only be fitting end if this great man is able to win back or retain the ashes in 2013 against England in their backyard.
Ask for ‘scripted farewell’s’ or what!!
Hats off to the legend –Ricky ponting!

Pakistan won the toss and from the outset looked a different unit today largely due to change in captaincy. It was Shahid Afridi who was captaining Pakistan in place of Mohd Yousuf who was rested due to a niggle. The Pakistani’s decided to bat on a good looking pitch but, Ryan Harris continued his golden rise in international cricket as he got Salman Butt poking at one away from his body.

Harris struck in the first over itself. As if that was not enough Mitchell Johnson bowled a delightful over and got rid of Khalid latif caught and bowled again for a duck. Pakistan were caught reeling at 2 for 0. Younis khan and Shoaib Malik hung around for quite a while before Younis khan fished at one from McKay only to be caught by Haddin. Pakistan were in dire straits at 17 for 3 in 10 Overs.

The next 3 Overs were maidens. Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik stitched a 60 run partnership before Mitchell Johnson put on show a brilliant bit of athleticism to run out Shoaib Malik. Fawad alam was next in; and the duo just like the last two matches put on a decent partnership of 82. Wickets fell in a hurry soon then after with Akmal, Afridi and Ahmed all departing in a space of 5 Overs. In the end it was Fawad alam’s brilliance that enabled Pakistan to reach a fightable score of 212. Alam made 63.

It was a pretty modest total and the Aussies looked pretty upbeat about the task ahead of them. They lost Haddin and marsh pretty early on in the piece. Cameron white soon followed suit. But, the trend of the summer continued as it was a culmination of contributions that won Australia the match and not a single stand-out performance (barring Cameron white’s scintillating 100 in the 1st ODI). Today, it was ponting and hussey who were to steer the ship home. Ponting made 55 before he holed out to Umar Akmal at long on. Australia looked a little skeptical in their approach and were continually losing wickets.

Michael hussey has been instrumental in winning Australia the series. He’s made decent contributions in all the matches and his versatility must be lauded. Put the man in at number 4 or 6, over number 20 or 45—Michael Hussey seems to have the game to do it for Australia.

And so he did today. Hussey saw Australia through with the tail ending up on 40 of 46 balls. Australia needed 12 of 12 at the end of the batting power play with Hussey and Hauritz at the crease. Hussey took rana for 9 off the pen ultimate over with some positive running and lusty hitting. It was 3 off 6 when Hauritz was trapped LBW by Rao.

Ryan Harris was Australia’s number ten and he seems to be doing nothing wrong at the moment. He had a swipe at his first ball and managed to clear wide mid-on for a couple.

A lot of drama was seen in the finale of the match. Firstly, it was Shahid Afridi who was seen biting the ball twice which was caught on camera. Reports later suggested that Afridi pleaded guilty to the charges laid down by match referee Ranjan Madugalle. Afridi has been banned for two T20 internationals which means he will miss this Friday’s clash at the SCG as well as the one against England.

The act was caught on camera and the umpires were informed so on their microphones and the ball was immediately changed. Another striking incident was when one of the spectators charged at Khalid Latif. Thankfully, for latif there were no injuries. A very embarrassing moment, for Cricket Australia considering such incidents have been happening quite often. Australia won the match when Harris was caught off a waist high no ball at mid off.

Australia clean swept the Pakistani’s not just in the ODI series but also in the test series. What remains to be seen is whether Pakistan would be able to manage a single win on this tour?