2012 will be remembered as the year which saw few of the greatest players to have graced the 22 Yards hang up their boots. Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar and now less than a fortnight after the announcement of Ricky Ponting’s announcement it is now the 37 Year old Mike Hussey famously know as Mr. Cricket who has proclaimed that his time is up.
Mike Hussey announces shock retirement
Hussey unlike his former Captain Ricky Ponting was at the peak of his form, playing a pivotal role in the Australian Team. He announced that he will end his international career at the end of the Australian Summer. His final test will be the New Year’s test against Sri Lanka.
Hussey revealed that it was a decision he had been thinking of over the entire season and now that he will leave it will leave the Australian side another gaping hole to fill. “I just wanted to see how I felt throughout the summer and my feelings hadn’t really changed. I was looking ahead to the India series and the Ashes and I didn’t have the same excitement or buzz about the challenges ahead.” Hussey said.
Averaging over 51 in Test and 48 in ODIs, Hussey has been one of the most consistent players in the Australian team for the past few years and a very important and experienced player after the retirement of players like Gilchrist, Hayden, Martin and Langer.
Hussey is a player who has proved himself in all the three formats. His breathtaking and quick-fire 60 against Pakistan in the 2010 T20 World Cup semifinal was a fest to the eyes. He came into the Australian side as a replacement for another left hander who was one of the best finishers in the world – Michael Bevan.
Hussey proved to be a more than able replacement for Bevan and was instrumental in Australia retaining the World Cup in 2007.
It was unfortunate that Hussey played in an era where it was difficult to break the Australian side even for a player of his caliber and talents, but once the left hander made it to the highest level he never looked back. He made his test Debut in 2005 and his ODI debut in 2004.
He had played up the order for Western Australia – Domestic Team, down the order for Australia but proved that as long as he has the bat he can play anywhere.
Affectionately known as Mr. Cricket for his immense knowledge of the game, Hussey will play the Limited overs tournaments of the summer for Australia.
His motivation to retire was to spend more time with his family.
Good Bye Mike Hussey – You have been a thrilling entertainer and a role model on the pitch.
Tags: Australia, Cricket, Mike Hussey, Mr. Cricket, Rahul Dravid, Retirement, Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman
