Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey has defended the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman and former Indian successful captain MS Dhoni, who has been recently criticised for his slow ODI knocks against the hosts England.
Hussey believes Dhoni’s experience will play a crucial role in the upcoming 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in England that is just 10 months to go. Hussey is very close to Dhoni due to involving in the same IPL team Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a long time.
Hussey said about Dhoni according to the Times of India, “It’s just two innings, come on! We know how MS plays – he takes some time in the middle. He has got the power to catch up in the end. He plays according to the situation. I wouldn’t be reading too much into it. He has been a great player for such a long time and his experience will play a crucial role in the upcoming World Cup, especially, his ‘keeping skills and his power at the end of the innings. You should never write off a champion player.”
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Talking about the favourites of the 2019 CWC, Hussey said that it will be hard to choose a favourite. While he wishes that Australia can pick up the right track during the tournament, he chose England as the favourite team at present. Besides that, India and Pakistan are also on his favourite list.
Hussey said, “It’s going to be hard to pick a winner – four to five teams are good enough to go all the way. I hope Australia gets there. It’s not been an ideal preparation for us with players getting injured and suspended. You want your team to settle down with the World Cup coming up. Despite all the issues, the players who are part of the team are really good. If they can get their momentum going and have a bit of luck with confidence, Australia can be up there.
“England is the favourite at the moment, playing in home conditions. But, there is a lot of pressure that comes with playing at home. It will be interesting to see how they handle the pressure. India and Pakistan are two top ODI nations, who have been playing some quality ODI cricket. If they can get their confidence up, with no injuries, they have a chance as well.”
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Meanwhile, after the completion of the limited-overs series, the hosts England and the visitors India will now meet in the five-match long Test series, starting from August 1. While he has an interest in this series, Hussey feels India might get an advantage due to the hot condition.
The former Australian cricketer said, “I am really interested to see how it goes, especially because it is being played at the back end of the season and it has been a warm summer in England. The pitches might actually aid spin, which will definitely bring India into the game a bit.”
Though the Indian left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav impressed during the limited-overs series in the ongoing English tour, Hussey said Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin should be the first preference in the upcoming Test series.
Hussey said, “Ashwin has been an amazing Test player for a long time. If Ashwin is not fit, Kuldeep could get a game and I am sure he will do well. He is a talented young player. But, at the same time, Ashwin should be the first preference as he has earned that spot over a long period of time. There is a plenty of time for Kuldeep to come in.”
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Talking about Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s performance in the upcoming Test series, who disappointed in the 2014 England tour as he scored only 134 runs with the average of 13.40, Hussey is confident on him.
The Mr Cricket said, “It will be interesting to see how Virat plays. I am sure he will score many runs. Once he gets his confidence up, it is going to be hard to stop him. There has been plenty of talk about his performance in England.”
