India series toughest, says Hussey

Published September 25, 2008

NEW DELHI, Sept 24: Australian batsman Mike Hussey says playing away in India is the greatest challenge for any touring side.

Hussey and the Australian team are currently in the Indian city of Jaipur, preparing for the Test series that starts on Oct 9.

“It’s the toughest series, but it gives immense satisfaction if you are able to notch up a victory here,” Hussey was quoted to say on Wednesday by the Press Trust of India.“I feel patience is the key. I’ve not played a Test match here, but have played other forms of cricket,” added Hussey, who was a member of the Australia team that toured India for the limited-overs ICC Champions Trophy in 2006 and then for seven one-dayers in 2007. He also featured in the IPL, India’s domestic Twenty20 competition earlier this year.

Hussey also said that the Australian batsmen had plans for tackling the likes of Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble, which touring teams consider their main challenge on spin-friendly tracks.

“You have to have a clear game plan on how to play spin, you have to be clear how you’re going to tackle it,” he said.

Australia will also draw on the experience of its former captain and recent India coach Greg Chappell.

Chappell lost his job as India’s national coach last year following their disappointing World Cup when they were knocked out in the first round.“He knows the conditions here well and would certainly help us,” Hussey said of Chappell, who is a technical adviser to the Australian team.—AP

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