Hussey to make his test debut

[langerrox]

Australia v West Indies, 1st Test

Langer ruled out of first Test

Peter English at the Gabba

October 1, 2005



Michael Hussey: all set for his Test debut ? Getty Images

With the words "Huss, you're in" Justin Langer ruled himself out of the first Test and gave Michael Hussey the opportunity he's been waiting for since he was five. Langer succumbed to a fractured rib despite batting in the nets today and Australia will have a new opening combination in a Test for the first time since August 2001 against West Indies on Thursday.

Hussey was called into the squad on Monday but felt his opportunity was limited when he watched Langer train without emotion this morning. When Langer walked across after a meeting with Trevor Hohns, John Buchanan and Errol Alcott, Hussey knew he would be losing the tag of the country's most unlucky batsman and become its 393rd Test player.

"I never lost hope," said Hussey, who in plundering 15,313 first-class runs at 52.80 holds the record as the most prolific Australian scorer before winning a Test cap. "I really feel like I had to earn it and that's what Test cricket in Australia is about. I've been through heaps, but loved every minute along the way. All the hard work has been worth it."

Langer, who was hit while batting for Western Australia in an ING Cup match on Saturday, has played 53 consecutive Tests since replacing Michael Slater at The Oval four years ago and was disappointed to break his record-breaking partnership with Matthew Hayden. He knew the streak was in trouble on Monday but completed a full session before scratching himself.

"It's very painful and it feels like I've got barbed wire in my chest every time I run," he said. "I've never had a break before but Errol [the physiotherapist] said give it seven days and it should be back to normal."

Langer has gained a reputation as one of the game's ironmen with his high pain tolerance, but he was worried he would let himself down if he took the field. "After England we promised as a group we would increase our intensity and play like a great team," he said. "I don't think I can play like a great player over the next five days."

Hayden and Hussey is another left-handed partnership with a ring to it and Langer said his state team-mate was his preferred replacement because of his extreme desire to play for Australia. "He's as hungry as anyone I've met and as long as he watches the ball and smiles he'll make plenty of runs," Langer said. "He has huge respect in the team and huge respect from Haydos - I'm sure they'll be a great partnership for this one Test."

Hussey said receiving the news was "a bit surreal" and it was "weird" taking the place of Langer. "We've been through a lot together in Western Australia," he said. "I've been dreaming about this since I was a little kid. Hopefully it will sink in when I get my baggy green."

? Cricinfo

ahh my langer, but good to see hussey get a shot!

 

[icyman]

Hope Hussey can make the most of the oppurtunity.

 

[RoboRocks]

He has deserved it, but I think Symonds should go in for Katich

 

[Burma's Finest]

I think anyone should go in for Katich! Man, that guy sucks. Drop Katich for Hussey so that he can have a regular place in the team and find someone else to open the batting while Langer recovers who can then be discarded upon his return, leaving Hussey in the team.

 

[aussie1st]

Hussey is awesome he should have been in the side ages ago.

 

[ZexyZahid]

I wasn't very fond of Katich, till I saw him open during the Super Series. Good player, but everybody wants more. I rather see Symonds and Martyn coming in for Clarke and Watson.

 

[RoboRocks]

Symonds also should have been in the test side ages ago instead of Katich, He can bat, bowl medium pace and Offspin and is a fantasic fielder. Symonds has way more to offer, plus I think he is a lot better batsman than katich

 

[FreddieFan]

I seem to have a thing about liking players others don't (Ian Bell, G Jones) and Katich is one of them. He didn't score many runs in the Ashes Series, but still impressed me. The trouble with being Australian is that there is always somebody else after your place.

 

[JamesyJames3]

I though Katich did alright. I think he got 2 50's during the ashes, but more importantly they came when his team needed them. He also put the stability in the side. He deserves more credit.

 

[aussie1st]

He didn't put any stablity during the Ashes.

 

[Burma's Finest]

I seem to have a thing about liking players others don't (Ian Bell, G Jones)

Hmm... Ian Bell and Katich are certainly in the same league. The only difference between them is that I'd like to see Bell improve and succeed. However, if his stumps continue to cartwheel (a la Michael Vaughan in Pakistan then it's time for the Bell experiment to end (for now). What does Owais Shah have to do to get in the team? I think everyone agrees that Hussey is a really good player and yet Shah, who scored more runs (1728) than him in County Crikcet this year, can't even make the squad?!! Admittedly he doesn't have Hussey's amusing ODI average of 123.5 but still.

And what about Slimline Key? Key impressed me way more than Bell ever has. Plus he has a certain comedy value as the fattest player since Mike Gatting!

 

[langerrox]

Symonds also should have been in the test side ages ago instead of Katich, He can bat, bowl medium pace and Offspin and is a fantasic fielder. Symonds has way more to offer, plus I think he is a lot better batsman than katich

he played 3 test matches or 2 and made about 18 runs

 

[icyman]

Katich is a good player of spin bowling.
He's played some beautiful innings against India in both India and Australia.
I think the slow pitches are much to his advantage.

I would rather go in for Symonds instead of Watson.
Watson looks good for the one-dayers only.

 

[langerrox]

symonds is good for onedayers only id like to see clarke and katich given the boot and hussey and jaques in

 

[aussie1st]

I know guys Le Loux is coming Also Moises Henriques.