Little Can Rain On Hussey's Parade After Maiden Ton
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday November 19, 2005
A Premier's walkabout, a thousand children banging inflatable clapping sticks, rumours that Shane Warne's back was wonky, autograph sessions, a few off-drives, a flicked leg-glance, a long black, fieldsmen's hands in pockets, grumpy clouds hovering over Bellerive Oval, another bombardment of a hapless touring team and, most of all, a stirring first century for a fine batsman were the highlights of a frustrating day in Hobart.
Of course, Michael Hussey was oblivious to the hardships. As far as he was concerned the weather was glorious, the stadium packed and the cricket full of spark. He was the man on a mission and was not to be distracted by trifles. Elation erupted on his face as the 100th run came his way. He had been waiting a long time for this moment and had feared that it might never come. Moreover, the West Australian knew this match might be his last. Clearly he intended to make the most of his opportunity. Accordingly he set out to give cricket followers, family and himself something to remember. Along the way he played the sort of innings calculated to impress selectors presented with the task of choosing their five best batsmen.At first it was not easy, as the bowlers found encouragement in a pitch that had turned a darker shade of pale. The West Indies pacemen kept a fuller length, thereby obliging their opponents to concentrate on forces through cover. Not that the occupants were reluctant to accept the invitation to drive. Neither left-hander found anything to worry about in the opposing line-up or a pitch that reflects the local temperament. Having taken their bearings, the batsmen began to press for runs. Hussey led the way with several brightly executed strokes through cover as the bowlers over-pitched. Neither his fluency nor his appetite for batting is in doubt. Tempo is the key to his batting. Like most energetic young athletes he tends to buck and snort in the stalls. Once he settles into his work he advances swiftly and efficiently, with drives sent speeding along the turf and collections to leg executed with the alertness of those eager not to fluff their lines. Hussey also had the nerve to play the pull shot that had been his undoing at the Gabba. Twice before tea he rolled his wrists and put the ball into gaps with consummate control. Somewhere in between came a glance that flashed away to the ropes at fine leg. What was the name of that little bloke who used to open the batting? Nuggety lefty whose bat handle once broke on this very ground just as the ball was passing - remember him? Hussey has a straightforward technique and, like his teammates, does not move till the ball has been bowled. Clearly the era of early backlifts and premature movement has passed. Batting has gone back to the basics. He also has a passion for the game that emerges in his every moment on the field. Cricket is not merely his game. It touches, excites and releases him. Sport is not a profession but a chance to excel. Matthew Hayden continued the form he has shown since his timely innings at The Oval. No longer committed to imposing himself from the outset, he gave himself an opportunity to take a look at the bowling before starting to punch holes in the field. Evidently he has abandoned gelignite in favour of the drill. His rhythm was impressive. Whereas in England he stepped forward as a statement of intent, now he holds back till length and direction have been ascertained. Accordingly he is balanced at the crease and has at his disposal a wider range of strokes. He is also better at working the ball around. Not that it is a race, but Hussey beat his partner to 50 and kept him company as the partnership moved along against an attack wanting the pace, variety and movement to trouble accomplished players on a friendly surface. Hayden closed the gap with a pull-drive played against Dwayne Bravo that sent the ball onto the dry area on the Hill. Hussey responded with another pull and two straight drives as the Australians passed their opponents without losing a wicket. Next Hayden cut fiercely as the score mounted. Twice Hussey pulled past mid-on as the openers raced towards the satisfaction of three figures.From tea time onwards the bowling was treated with contempt. It's a cliche, but had this been boxing they'd have stopped this contest a long time ago.
© 2005 Sydney Morning Herald
Share This