Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey has sparked conversation in the cricketing world with a playful yet thought-provoking comparison of his career to that of Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. Reflecting on his late start in international cricket, Hussey suggested that had he debuted earlier, his run tally might have rivalled — or even surpassed — Tendulkar’s iconic records.
Known as “Mr. Cricket” for his unmatched consistency and professionalism, Hussey made his Australia debut at 28, a relatively late age that limited his time on the international stage despite years of domestic dominance.
Speaking on The Grade Cricketer YouTube channel, Michael Hussey joked, “I’ve thought about it a lot. I’d probably be about 5,000 runs past Sachin Tendulkar — the leading run-scorer in the game.”
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While the remark was delivered with humor, it reflected how his delayed debut curtailed what could have been an even more illustrious international career. Hussey scored 12,398 runs across formats, including 22 centuries in 302 matches — remarkable figures but still far behind Tendulkar’s astronomical 34,357 international runs and 100 centuries.
In Tests, Hussey registered 6,235 runs, while in ODIs, he amassed 5,442 runs at an average of 48.15. In T20Is, he added 721 runs, significantly more than Tendulkar’s single T20I outing. Yet, the gap in total output remains vast — a product of opportunity rather than ability.
‘मैं सचिन तेंदुलकर से ज्यादा रन बना सकता था’, पूर्व ऑस्ट्रेलियाई दिग्गज ने किया बड़ा दावा#SachinTendulkar #MikeHussey #SportsNewshttps://t.co/vjK3ghj62N
— News Nation (@NewsNationTV) October 22, 2025
Michael Hussey acknowledged this reality, saying, “I would have loved an opportunity earlier, but the good thing for me was that when I got picked, I had a great understanding of my game.”
Before breaking into the Australian team, Hussey had already carved a formidable domestic reputation, scoring nearly 23,000 first-class runs at an average of 52, with 61 centuries in 273 matches. His delayed entry was mainly due to Australia’s golden era of the late 1990s and early 2000s, where competition for places was incredibly fierce.
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In stark contrast, Sachin Tendulkar made his debut for India at just 16, and over a record 24-year career, he redefined batting greatness. The “Master Blaster” remains cricket’s all-time leading run-scorer in both Tests and ODIs and holds the record for 100 international centuries — a feat unlikely to be matched anytime soon.
While Hussey’s comments were light-hearted, they underscore how timing and opportunity shape sporting legacies. Despite his late start, Hussey remains one of Australia’s most respected batsmen — a vital contributor to their 2007 World Cup and Champions Trophy triumphs and a symbol of determination and consistency.
