'He called me Dave for three hours': Hussey

Australia’s batsmen can expect plenty of banter from James Anderson in the Magellan Ashes, according to champion batsman Mike Hussey, who believes the England veteran needs the conflict to get the best out himself.

Anderson was at the centre of the infamous ‘Broken F***ing Arm’ incident four years ago alongside then Australia captain Michael Clarke and the self-proclaimed ‘Whitewash Wizard’ George Bailey, a heated confrontation that set the tone for the entire series.

Hussey expects the veteran paceman to once again be in the faces of the hosts this summer despite his new standing in the visitors’ camp.

In the absence of regular deputy Ben Stokes, Anderson has been named England’s vice-captain for the tour but the extra responsibilities that go with the role won’t stop him from sledging the Australians, says Hussey.

Image Id: 355B6CD17C3A4872AC8859A7F3C3CF3F Image Caption: James Anderson and George Bailey clash at the Gabba in the 2013-14 Ashes // Getty

“I don’t think it’s in his nature to rein it in,” Hussey said on the latest episode of The Unplayable Podcast.

“He loves the chat out there in the middle. In fact, I think he needs it. He needs that to keep himself going and to feel like he’s in the contest.

“I’m not expecting him to back down from that at all. That’s what he needs to perform at his best.”

Hussey knows firsthand the type of treatment Steve Smith’s men are in for this summer.

The Western Australian was on the receiving end of an Anderson barrage for hours seven years ago in Brisbane in what turned out to be a simple case of mistaken identity.

“He didn’t stop all day,” Hussey said.

“He called me ‘Dave’ for about three hours one day at the Gabba.

“It was after about three hours I finally said to him ‘You know that’s my brother, Dave?’ and he still called me Dave for the next hour after that as well.”

Little did Anderson know, Hussey reveled in being attacked verbally, which undoubtedly played a part as the left-hander posted a career-high 195 in the same innings the swing bowler plucked the wrong name from the family tree.

“I didn’t mind the sledging,” Hussey said.

“In fact, I think the sledging actually helped me. It kept my mind on the job and I knew they were just trying to put me off my game.”

2017-18 International Fixtures:

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets

Gillette ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets

Gillette T20 INTL Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21