Hardik Pandya, the flamboyant all-rounder of team India is currently out of the squad courtesy the lower back injury which he suffered in the opening match of the Asia Cup. Former Australian legendary batsman Michael Hussey feels that his absence in the upcoming Australia-India test series will be huge.
“I think Hardik is a wonderful talent and I am sure his game style would have been suited to the Australian conditions. Add to that, the balance he offers the team with his all-round abilities, yes I think his absence will hurt India,” Hussey told PTI in an exclusive interview.
Though Australia is considerably weak in the absence of their two batting stalwarts, former skipper Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner, they still possess an impressive pace attack in the form of pace trio Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins as well as their second best spinner ever Nathon Lyon. Hussy continued saying, “I do think India has a good chance as they have an excellent team with some very good fast bowlers. However, I think Australia’s bowling attack is world class and will challenge the Indian team, particularly the younger players in Australian conditions. Australia always plays well at home and hence will be very hard to beat.” “The Australians will prepare well against Kohli, but it comes down to execution. In my view the Aussies need to be incredibly patient and disciplined for long periods of time against a world class player like Kohli,” said the former Australian cricketing legend. Michael Hussey has featured in 185 one day internationals and 79 test matches for his country. These are quite huge numbers considering he made his international debut in his late twenties. In 2014-15 series against Hussey’s side, Indian captain Virat Kohli scored 4 test tons in as many matches. And that’s why Hussey thinks that he will be the biggest challenge for the home side in the upcoming four-match series.
