Michael Hussey laughs off talk of comeback to Australia squad

Michael Hussey is now a batting consultant to the Australia team

Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey has laughed off suggestions that he could return to the Australian squad for next year’s World Twenty20 in India after scoring an unbeaten 80 to lead the Sydney Sixers to victory over Sydney Thunders in the Big Bash League.

The classy left-hander, who retired from international cricket in 2013, will be in India for the tournament as a batting consultant to the Australia team.

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson was one of the observers of the explosive 59-ball knock and suggested his 40-year-old Sixers teammate would not look out of place back out in the middle in the international game. But Hussey was having none of it.

The Western Australian was in laugh when he was asked about it and said "No, I wouldn't have thought so,

"I'm happy to try and help out as much as I can off the field.

"We've got so much talent in this country and I'm excited to be working with the Australian team.

"It's the one trophy we don't have in the cabinet, so there's a lot of motivation for the team.

"Everyone I talk to around Cricket Australia, it's the one they really want. If I can help out in some small way, I'd be ecstatic."

Delighted to be involved in campaign: Hussey

In 38 International Twenty20 matches for Australia, Hussey scored 721 runs with a batting average of 37.95 and a strike rate of 136.29.

Famously known as Mr. Cricket, Michael Hussey was also a part of both Mumbai Indians Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 59 appearances he has scored 1977 runs with an average of 38.76 and a strike rate of 122.64.

Michael Hussey played his last T20 International against West Indies on 5th October 2012.

Australia is chasing the only global trophy that they have not won. Cricket Australia has brought in the help of Hussey to work with the side in the lead-up to the competitions and in the early stages of the tournament.

In an interview, Hussey said about his new role, “As a proud Australian cricketer I am delighted to be involved in Australia’s campaign for the World T20 title.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the boys and assisting in any way possible with their preparation and match day plans.”

The 2016 ICC World Twenty20 is scheduled to be held in India from 8th March to 3rd April.