Michael Hussey – The Backbone of Australian Cricket
Introduction
Michael Hussey, popularly known as
"Mr. Cricket," is one of the most celebrated Australian cricketers. He played a pivotal role in Australia's dominance in
Test, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 cricket from 2004 to 2013. Hussey’s
ability to anchor innings, adapt to situations, and finish games in style made him one of the most dependable batters in modern cricket.
Despite making his international debut at
28 in ODIs and 30 in Tests, Hussey quickly
became a cornerstone of Australian batting. His impeccable technique, patience, and ability to perform under pressure made him an invaluable asset. His Test batting average of
51.52 and ODI average of
48.15 reflect his
consistency and class.
Nicknamed
"Mr. Cricket" due to his deep understanding of the game, Hussey was a dominant figure in
domestic cricket, international cricket, and the Indian Premier League (IPL). He continued his cricketing legacy even after retirement, serving as a
coach, commentator, and mentor.
This article provides a detailed look at
Michael Hussey’s career, achievements, records, and contributions to the game.
Michael Hussey – Quick Facts
| Attribute |
Details |
| Full Name |
Michael Edward Killeen Hussey |
| Born |
27 May 1975 (Age 49) |
| Birthplace |
Mount Lawley, Western Australia |
| Nicknames |
Mr. Cricket |
| Batting Style |
Left-handed |
| Bowling Style |
Right-arm medium |
| Role |
Middle-order batter |
| National Team |
Australia (2004–2013) |
| Domestic Teams |
Western Australia, Northamptonshire, Chennai Super Kings, Sydney Thunder |
Career Statistics
| Format |
Matches |
Runs |
Batting Avg |
Strike Rate |
100s/50s |
Top Score |
| Tests |
79 |
6,235 |
51.52 |
56.20 |
19/29 |
195 |
| ODIs |
185 |
5,442 |
48.15 |
87.16 |
3/39 |
109* |
| First-Class |
273 |
22,783 |
52.13 |
54.98 |
61/103 |
331* |
| List A |
381 |
12,123 |
44.08 |
81.31 |
12/90 |
123 |
International Career
Early International Years
Hussey made his ODI debut for
Australia against India on
1 February 2004 at the WACA. Although he scored only
17 runs*, his potential was evident.
His Test debut came a year later, on
3 November 2005, against the
West Indies. Hussey's first Test innings was modest, but he soon announced his arrival with a brilliant
137 runs in his second match at
Bellerive Oval, Hobart.
Test Cricket Dominance
Hussey's batting approach was
patient yet aggressive. He adapted to different match situations, often rescuing Australia from trouble. His notable performances include:
- 195 vs England, Brisbane (2010) – One of the finest Ashes innings
- 182 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram (2006) – A display of patience and stroke-making
- 133 vs West Indies, Adelaide (2005)* – His second Test century, leading Australia to victory
Hussey played a crucial role in
the 2006–07 Ashes series, where he
scored 458 runs at an average of 91.60. His contribution helped Australia
whitewash England 5-0.
Michael Hussey’s Role in ODIs
Michael Hussey’s
ODI career was equally impressive, showcasing his finishing ability. He played several
match-winning innings, including:
- 109 vs West Indies, Kuala Lumpur (2006)* – A masterclass in chasing
- 105 vs New Zealand, Auckland (2007) – Rescued Australia from a collapse
- 108 vs Bangladesh, Dhaka (2011) – A brilliant century under tough conditions
Hussey played a key role in
Australia’s 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup triumph, finishing with
87 runs at a strike rate of 93.54.
His incredible
strike rotation and ability to accelerate in the final overs made him one of the best finishers in ODI cricket.
Michael Hussey in T20 Cricket
Hussey was not just a Test and ODI star but also
an explosive T20 player. His most famous T20 innings came in the
2010 ICC T20 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan.
- 60 off 24 balls vs Pakistan, ICC T20 World Cup 2010* – A legendary run chase
With Australia needing
18 runs off the last over, Hussey smashed
three sixes and a four, guiding his team to victory.
Domestic Career and IPL Success
Hussey’s
domestic career was phenomenal, making him one of Australia’s most accomplished cricketers before his international debut.
Sheffield Shield & County Cricket
- Western Australia (1994–2013) – One of the highest run-scorers in Sheffield Shield history
- Northamptonshire (2001–2003) – Scored a club-record 331 against Somerset*
Indian Premier League (IPL) Success
Hussey became an
IPL sensation, playing for
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and
Mumbai Indians (MI).
| Team |
Years |
Top Score |
| Chennai Super Kings |
2008–2013, 2015 |
116* |
| Mumbai Indians |
2014 |
82 |
Won IPL titles with CSK (2010, 2011)
Won the Orange Cap in 2013 (733 runs – Most in the season)
Later became CSK’s batting coach
Leadership and Captaincy
Although Hussey was never a permanent captain for Australia, he
led the team in ODIs and T20s.
| Format |
Matches as Captain |
Wins |
Losses |
Win % |
| ODIs |
4 |
0 |
4 |
0% |
Hussey was
more of a leader through his performances than through official captaincy.
Michael Hussey’s Records and Achievements
| Record |
Details |
| Fastest to 1,000 Test Runs |
Reached in just 166 days |
| Most Runs in an IPL Season (2013) |
733 runs |
| Most Runs as a Test No.6 Batsman |
2,595 runs |
| Highest First-Class Score |
331* |
Retirement and Post-Cricket Career
Michael Hussey
retired from international cricket in 2013, but he continued playing in
domestic T20 leagues until 2016.
After retirement, Hussey took up several roles:
Batting Coach for CSK
Cricket Commentator for Fox Sports
Director of Cricket for Sydney Thunder
England’s Batting Consultant for the 2022 T20 World Cup
Final Thoughts
Michael Hussey's career is a testament to
hard work, resilience, and consistency. From being a
late bloomer in international cricket to becoming one of Australia's
most reliable batters, his journey is truly inspirational.
With
multiple ICC trophies, legendary match-winning knocks, and a lasting impact in the IPL, Hussey’s
legacy in cricket remains unmatched.
Stay tuned for more updates on Michael Hussey’s journey!
