Published: Nov 20, 2014, 04:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 20, 2014, 04:01 PM (IST)
Nov 20, 2014
Michael Hussey, the former Australian batsman, has backed Callum Ferguson for a spot in the Test side. Australia are preparing for the Test series against India, which starts on December 4 in Brisbane. Michael Clarke, the captain, is doubtful for that game and also there is another spot that could be available. Hussey feels Ferguson can be considered as he has been consistent in domestic cricket.
Speaking to news.com.au, Hussey said, “Callum Ferguson is someone who has really played some consistent cricket and is ripe for the picking. He’s coming into about 30 years of age. He’s a bit more mature, he’s got a strong understanding of his game, he’s got the runs on the board, he’s the leading run-scorer in Shield cricket at the moment. He’s been very consistent over the past three seasons, where I think he’s been averaging in the 50s and 60s. He’s scored runs away from the Adelaide Oval, which is a good sign as well. He’s not just scoring runs at home at the generally batting-friendly Adelaide Oval pitch.”
Hussey also played down the age factor. Ferguson turns 30 on November 21 and Hussey believes it will not be a huge problem. Hussey himself made his Test debut for Australia after the age of 30 and had a very successful Test career. Last year, Chris Rogers made his comeback at the age of 35 and has held on to his spot as the opener in Test cricket.
Speaking about the age factor, Hussey said, “At 30 years of age, people might say, ‘Oh, he’s too old.’ But I got picked at 30 years of age and was able to have an eight-year career. Even if he played for five years, that’s a really long career. That’s over 50 Test matches these days. “He could do a really good job for Australia.”
Ferguson has played 30 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals for Australia. He was a part of the Australian side at the ICC World Cup 2011. His last ODI was against Bangladesh the same year. In 30 ODIs, he has scored 663 runs at an average of 41.43 with five fifties.
