The incident happened shortly after jury selection for the hush-money trial was completed
Few days after the injury-ravaged Indian team’s remarkable Test series triumph against Australia, I had a chance to interview former Australia batsman Michael Hussey, who is known as Mr Cricket for the versatility he displayed in his heyday.
Hussey admitted he was a bit surprised by how India managed to bounce back after being bowled out for 36 in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval.
“I was certainly not writing India off at the stage, but I thought it was going to be difficult to come back from that, plus their captain (Virat Kohli) was going home. And of course, Mohammad Shami was injured as well. I thought that was going to be a massive loss, but I was really buoyed by Ajinkya Rahane’s comment at the toss at the MCG Test. He had a very positive attitude, he kept the guys nice and positive. He gave new players the opportunity and I think he got them to focus on the positive things. I think that really worked,” Hussey told me over a Zoom chat recently.
Hussey was surprised by the third Test wicket in Sydney which didn’t deteriorate on the final day. But he said Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin deserved all the praise for their heroic match-saving partnership.
“The (SCG) pitch held together (on the last day) really well. That gave India a chance when Rishabh Pant (97) was batting. We thought they were going for the win. But once he was dismissed and the injury to Vihari, they just wanted to shut up shop. The Australian bowlers tried very hard, but you have to give credit to India’s fighting capabilities to bat for so long,” he said.
Hussey said Australia suffered because their off spinner Nathan Lyon struggled in the four Test matches, getting only eight wickets compared to 21 he had got in the last series.
“But you have got to give credit to (Cheteshwar) Pujara, he showed a lot of courage in Brisbane. It was an important innings. He was wearing the Australian bowlers down. The other guys, Shubman Gill and Pant played around him. They were able to be more aggressive against the tiring attack,” he said.
Hussey then said that India had unearthed a gem in Gill.
“There were some wonderful performances from India. I think Gill’s innings was superb. He looks like a real player for the future for India. I love the way he goes about it. And of course, Pant played one of the most incredible innings I have seen.”
The incident happened shortly after jury selection for the hush-money trial was completed
MS Dhoni's cameo in vain as five-time champions dealt thrid loss but hold on to third place in the standings
Roads and Transport Authority has been working round the clock to carry out maintenance work
Through this collaboration, Partisia Blockchain Foundation is set to discover and support the next generation of Web3 innovators
Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's firm position supporting Palestinian people's right to self-determination and establishment of an independent state
As part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, food, shelter tents, and basic supplies were provided to Palestinian families
The South African is tied with Denmark’s Nicolai Kristensen at the halfway stage of the tournament
The neighbourhood around the consulate was closed after the 60-year-old entered the premises, claiming to be armed with an explosive vest