Experienced batsman Michael Hussey said Australia were determined to bounce back by winning their limited series against Pakistan which starts in Sharjah on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old left-hander missed Australia’s tour of England last month due to family reasons but believed Australia 4-0 loss in his absence makes them more determined to win.
“We’re very determined. The guys have got a real sting in the tail after losing in England and we want to put in a very good performance,” said Hussey on Monday. The ever-reliable Hussey, who has so far played 182 one-day and 78 Tests in a glorious career, believed a break was good for him.
“It was great to be back around the team, no question. Having a break makes you realise how much you enjoy playing for Australia and my enthusiasm and energy for the game has risen more by being able to have a rest,” said Hussey.
Asked if Australia were as prepared for the Pakistan series, Hussey said: “It remains to be seen, I guess. We’ve won in places like India before. The last time we came here we beat Pakistan in one-days,” said Hussey of 3-2 win in 2009.
Hussey said his experience in the humid conditions of Chennai during his stint in the Indian Premier League will help him combat the oppressive 35-plus temperatures in United Arab Emirates.
“These conditions are very oppressive. But… the guys are in pretty good shape. When you do play pretty much all the previous year, there are times when you do start to get mentally and physically fatigued.
“I don’t think we’ll be letting the heat be an excuse for any poor performance. I’ve played in Chennai, even in just Twenty20 games, and that’s a lot hotter than playing out here,” Hussey said.
“In Chennai the temperature might be only mid-30s but the humidity is unbelievable. That’s probably the most oppressive conditions I’ve ever had to play in.
“Having said that, it’s still extremely tough (in Sharjah). I only batted for 15 overs the other day and I was pretty knackered by the end of it,” said Hussey of Australia’s 66-run win against Afghanistan in Sharjah on Saturday.
He made a brisk 37-ball 49 in Australian total of 272-8 in 50 overs.
Hussey said he was ready to open the innings in case the team management asks him in order to shield Matthew Wade who opened the innings on Saturday and then kept wicket.
“Whatever the team needs,” said Hussey. “If ‘Wadey’ did make a hundred in these oppressive conditions batting first and then has to go straight out and ‘keep, that would be a difficult thing,” Hussey said.
The second one-day will be played in Abu Dhabi on August 31 followed by the third in Sharjah on September 3. The three Twenty20 internationals will be played in Dubai on September 5, 7 and 10.
