Michael Hussey said the partnership between MS Dhoni (left) and Virat Kohli (right) turned the momentum in India’s favour © AFP (Representation pic)
Former Australia batsman Michael Hussey feels the batsmen from Down Under can’t be criticised for being unable to perform in challenging Indian conditions.
“Australian batsmen can’t be criticised too much particularly in the second innings. As a batsman, you are going to be nervous in Indian conditions which are very, very challenging, Look at the ball Phil Highes got out to, there’s nothing you can really do about it,” Hussey was quoted as saying by Times of India.
Hussey further added, “Even [Shane] Watson’s delivery he just played forward and the ball exploded out of the pitch. It is tough to play when the ball is spinning so much and you come into the innings 180-190 runs behind, you can’t afford to take too many risks.”
Hussey praised Indian bowlers Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Harbhajan Singh, stating that they bowled exceptionally well.
“The Indians bowled really well. Ravichandran Ashwin did an excellent job in getting all those wickets, and I thought he well supported by Ravindra Jadeja and Harbhajan Singh.”
However, according to Hussey the turning point of the match has been Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s iconic knock.
“Things were pretty much balanced at that point but the partnership between him [MS Dhoni] and Virat Kohli turned the momentum in India’s favour. It was a brilliant innings and Dhoni just didn’t let the Australian bowlers settle into any sort of rhythm whatsoever. He sput the pressure back on the Australians.”
Hussey feels Australia should consider having another spin option going into the second Test at Hyderabad.
“Having some support for Nathan Lyon in the spin department would be good, but I am sure that they won’t make any decision until they’ve had a look at the pitch. Reverse swing could be a factor, and if so, the fast bowlers could also support Nathan,” he concluded.
First Published: March 1, 2013, 9:43 am
