Australia turn to Michael Hussey to assist their 'A' team for clashes against India

Keen to utilize his extensive experience to shape the careers of Australian prospects, Michael Hussey has taken up the role of assistant coach for their ‘A’ team series against the visiting Indian side.

Having served as batting consultants for both Australia and South Africa in the recent past, the 41-year old will be hoping to further his coaching credentials by following brother, David, and former teammate Brad Haddin, to help head coach Troy Cooley oversee the progress of the next in line.

Speaking to cricket.com.au, he sounded excited about the upcoming challenge and admitted that the focus would be on building relationships with the players in order to contribute to their development.

Hussey enthused, “I’m looking forward to it. It's great to stay in touch with the game and watch the next generation of players coming through, and try to help if I possibly can, so I'm really looking forward to the two games against India A. It looked like a good (one-day quadrangular) tournament, but I'm coming in with no preconceived ideas. I just want to start building and developing relationships with those guys in the team now, and help out wherever I possibly can.”

After starting the quadrangular tournament with a bang, Australia ‘A’ lost to India ’A’ in the final by 57 runs. The two four-day matches will be played at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane on 8th and 15th.

With the likes of Joe Burns, Jackson Bird, Marcus Stoinis and Kane Richardson set to participate in those contests, the selectors will be keeping a close eye on the action as Australia’s home season looms.

Looking ahead, Hussey felt, “It's difficult to make any big changes or do a lot of 'coaching' in just a two-week period over two matches. So, it's just a case of trying to talk with these guys as much as possible, develop a relationship and build a rapport that hopefully can develop and last over time rather than just this two-week period, and just challenge the guys to think for themselves and get their own games in good working order.”

Hussey continued, “All the players have excellent skills. But, it's what goes on between the ears that really is the difference between becoming a great player and just being an average player. So, I'll be certainly trying to pass on any experience I have there, and try to challenge them and ask questions about how they're going on the mental side of the game.”