Michael Hussey sums up the saying that good things come to those who wait. After a glittering First Class career, which has seen him score almost 22000 runs, Hussey finally received his first Baggy Green with the home series against the West Indies in 2005. He has not looked back since.
After a poor first Test, Hussey found life much easier, hitting back to back centuries against the Calypso kings.
His first two years of international cricket were outstanding, and earned him the nickname “Mr Cricket”. He had become the fastest man to reach 1000 test runs, and had a batting average of 86.18.
His batting in ODI’s was also out of this world, where it took 29 matches for his average to drop below 100.
A lean spell followed, but Mr Cricket was soon back to his versatile best, scoring a match winning 134 against Pakistan at the SCG. Batting with the tail has been no problem for Hussey, and this match highlighted his faith in players such as Peter Siddle.
The 2010/11 Ashes was a major disappointment for Australia, but not for the middle-order maestro. A career best 195 at the Gabba silenced his critics, and sparked a series to savour for Hussey. Three more half centuries in a row, and then another hundred confirmed his status as Mr Reliable.
A terrific tour of Sri Lanka saw him score two more centuries, and also chime in with the huge wicket of Kumar Sangakarra. A superb 150* against India was part of a 344 run partnership with Michael Clarke, which helped Australia to another crushing victory.
In ODI cricket, Hussey has been an anchor in the middle order. Whether he gives the innings the late flurry it needs, or he grinds out a patient 50, Hussey has gotten his side out of sticky situations time and time again.
While he has always battled to hold down a spot in the T20 side, Hussey has been a constant star for IPL franchise the Chennai Super Kings.
Despite being one of the most reliable cricketers to ever play for Australia, there is mounting pressure on the ageing Hussey to step down from the national team. Not for the first time, Hussey will be keen for his bat to do the talking against the best bowling attack in the world.
