Mike Hussey optimistic ahead of Sri Lanka Test series

Former Australian batsman Mike Hussey has endorsed complete faith in the Australian side ahead of their Test series in Sri Lanka. When it comes to playing in the subcontinent, the Aussies have been below par, winning just the one Test match in the last five years. Incidentally, the win came against Sri Lanka in Galle exactly five years ago. What is even more incredible is the fact that Hussey was the man of the series in that 1-0 triumph over the Lankans all those years ago.

“Like any Test match cricket around the world or even in Australia, you’ve got to be prepared to play, good, hard, uncompromising cricket for long periods of time to win on the subcontinent,” he said. “It’s hot, it’s slow, they’re (the pitches) turning, so you’ve got to be prepared to guts it out and get stuck in for long periods of time. I feel like that (2011) team, we were prepared to do that.”

In spite of putting a lot of faith in the current group of players, Hussey stated that it was going to be a baptism of fire for many. Of all the players who have been playing for Australia, only eight have toured Sri Lanka before. “It’s going to be a challenge for a lot of the guys and that’s why it’s important they talk to each other and really help each other out as much as possible,” he said. “If you’re left to try and work your way through it yourself, it can be extremely challenging. If you work together as a team, help each other out, ask questions of each other and really work your way through it together, then the team can have a lot of success.”

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“There’s a lot of class in that Australian team and they’re very proud Australians; proud to be playing Test match cricket and wearing that baggy green cap,” he said. “I think as a batsman at that level you’ve got to be able to change between the different formats of the game and the guys are experienced enough to do that.

“I’m expecting them to make the adjustment to Test match cricket in the subcontinent very, very quickly,” he added.

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