Hussey’s dedication and contribution to Australia cricket will never be forgotten
Just under a month after announcing his retirement, Australia veteran batsman Michael Hussey has admitted that he was relieved his international career had come to an end with a win over Sri Lanka in Sydney.
Hussey noted that the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was one of his favourite places to play and couldn’t have asked for a better ending to his illustrious career.
“What a place to finish,” Hussey said. “The SCG is probably my top three favourite grounds in the whole world. The crowd support and the support in general has been a bit overwhelming and I’ve been a bit embarrassed by it.
“In a way I’m quite relieved that it’s over now. The stress and pressure, I can relax away from it now. I don’t have that sick feeling in my stomach before I go out to bat. I feel like the pressure is off and I feel very proud to be able to finish in Australia and here at the SCG.”
Despite making his Test debut at the age of 30 in 2005, Hussey has still scored more runs against Sri Lanka than any other Australian batsman, posting an incredible 994 runs at an outstanding average of 110.44 in just eight Tests.
Reminiscing about his final Test, Hussey stated that he had no problems with all-rounder Mitchell Johnson hitting the winning runs since clinching the series was the top priority in his mind at the time.
“I was telling Mitch (Johnson) the over before, if it comes up that you hit it then I’m more than happy to let us get this over and done with,” Hussey added. “I was more than happy to be out there when the winning run was hit. A dream come true. The important thing was making sure we won the Test match.”
Hussey also revealed that the realisation of not playing international cricket ever again had sunk in and added that he was looking forward to spending more time with his family and having a perfect all-round normal life once again.
“It probably sunk in a while ago because I have known for quite a period of time of when I wanted to finish,” Hussey said. “I’ve been prepared for it, I guess.
“But I’m sure there’s going to be aspects that I’m going to miss as well, like when I’m out there when the winning runs are hit in a Test match, helping Australia win a series, or being in the dressing room with the boys after the game, singing the team song. But all good things have to come to an end at some stage.”
Speaking about the “team song” once again, Hussey nominated off-spinner Nathan Lyon to replace him in leading the celebratory songs after the team won a series.
“I’ve picked Nathan (Lyon) because I think he is a man of great character,” Hussey added. “I think he plays the game for the right reasons.
“I think he understands and respects the fabric of the Baggy Green cap and that’s what I want to come through from him when he leads the team song in the future.”
Hussey also thanked his family for all their support over the years and once again reiterated the happiness he felt at having more time to spend with them.
“I certainly owe them a bit and they’ve been fantastic support over a long period of time, we’re probably away for up to eight to ten months of the year and it’s a big stress on family life,” Hussey said. “It’s also hard on the players being away for that long. I am looking forward to having a bit more of a normal life as such.”
Hussey ended his Test career with 6,235 runs, which included 19 centuries, at a brilliant average of 51.52.
“It couldn’t have ended any better,” Hussey said. “I feel very proud to have worn the Baggy Green cap and I’ve probably achieved a lot more in my career than I ever dreamed I could.
“I feel very fortunate and the game has given me so much.”