Thaindian News

Bangalore, March 9 (IANS) Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke Wednesday said the inclusion of veteran Michael Hussey will prompt their opponents to see the defending champions in a new light.

The 35-year-old Hussey, who was controversially removed from the 15-man squad before the World Cup, joined the team here as replacement for the injured Doug Bollinger.

Hussey was shocked at his non-inclusion and said that he would have recovered from his hamstring injury earlier.

During a press conference here, Clarke said that he is excited with the inclusion of Hussey, who averages 51.98 in 151 one-day internationals and his average in India against India is a staggering 95.50 in eight matches.

“I’ve seen Huss this morning and he’s very excited about being here. He wanted training to start at six o’clock this morning, so he’s keen as mustard to get a bat in his hand and start getting used to these conditions,” said Clarke.

“Huss brings a lot to our team, a lot of experience. His career in all forms of the game is as good as anybody in the world. His statistics are unbelievable in one-day cricket and he has been very successful in the subcontinent,” he said.

Clarke said that teams will now take note of the fact that Hussey is part of the Australian squad.

“Opposition teams will definitely take note that Michael Hussey is back in our squad and will play a big part in the rest of this World Cup. When the team was first selected, he wasn’t fit … and now he is so it’s great to have him back around,” he said.