Michael Hussey
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Source: [1], December 21 2005 |
Michael Edward Killeen (Mike) Hussey (born 27 May, 1975, Morley, Western Australia) is an Australian cricketer. A left handed batsman, he has played three Tests and 18 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for Australia. He plays first-class cricket for the Western Warriors in Australia, and Durham in England.
Mike Hussey's ODI batting average is 123.50. This amazing figure is skewed as he has been not out 8 times from his 18 ODI innings (most batting average record tables require a minimum of 20 innings to be played before a player is included). Nevertheless, his strike rate (runs per 100 balls faced) of 94.45 is still the highest in the Australian ODI career records list.
Hussey made his Test debut for Australia against the West Indies in the first Test at Brisbane commencing on November 3 2005. He replaced opening batsman Justin Langer, who was declared unfit to play after suffering a cracked rib in an ING Cup match the previous weekend. Hussey was the most experienced Australian Test debutant, having played 176 first-class matches and scored 15,313 runs at first-class level before being selected for his debut. He made only 1 in his first innings, and 29 in his second. In the following Test, at Bellerive Oval in Tasmania, he scored 137 and 39 not out, and was named Man of the Match. In the Third Test at Adelaide Oval, he was moved down the order to number 5, where he made 133 not out in the first innings and 30 not out in the second, bringing his Test average to 120.
Hussey's performances with the bat lead to him being selected for the three-match Test series against South Africa. In the First Test at Perth, Hussey made 58 in the second innings to help the hosts to a draw. However, in the Second Test at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), Hussey compiled a brilliant century in the first innings to guide Australia to victory in the Test. He was presented with the man of the match award for his invaluable contribution.
Hussey's brother David plays first-class cricket for the Victorian Bushrangers in Australia, and Nottinghamshire in England.
Brilliant form in the ING Cup led to his selection in the Australian VB Series team that defeated India at the WACA Ground in February 2004. Had his most prolific season in four years and made his first century in two years when he broke through with 138 against Tasmania at the WACA Ground in December 2003.
Earned a Cricket Australia contract in 2004-05 after also excelling in the ING Cup where he is a middle-order stroke maker and forms a prolific engine room with Murray Goodwin. At 29 he is eighth (6471) on the list of all-time Western Australian run makers in the Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup. Will move into the top five with a good 2004-05 and could well finish ahead of Tom Moody (8853) as WA’s top run scorer of all time if he plays another four or five seasons.