Cricket-Hussey unconcerned about lack of runs
BASSETERRE, St Kitts, March 21 (Reuters) - Defending champions Australia start the serious business of the World Cup against South Africa on Saturday with barely any contribution in the tournament so far from their most prolific batsman.
Michael Hussey, who averages 79.85 in test cricket and 62.32 in one-day internationals after finally sealing his place in the national side, was out for four against Scotland and two against the Netherlands. He also made a duck against England in a warm-up match in St Vincent and only 15 against Zimbabwe.
The reason is not a sudden form slump from the man dubbed Mr Cricket after his astonishing run feats over the past two years.
Instead Hussey has come to the crease at number six with only a handful of overs remaining and no option but to try to hit quick runs.
"The guys up the top are doing the job," he told reporters after training on Wednesday. "I'd like to come to the middle and hit a few sixes but that's the nature of where I bat."
The winners of Saturday's final Group A match will take two points through to the Super Eights where Australia start their second-round campaign against hosts West Indies in Antigua next Tuesday.
"The boys are really training very, very well, we are really pumped up for the game against South Africa," Hussey said. "The last couple of game have been good to get used to conditions. I think we have played well but we really haven't been tested. It's going to be a great game against South Africa."
Man walks into his own funeral.