David Hussey should be a legendary name in Australian and world cricket. Instead, the younger Hussey brother is often left floundering at domestic level except for the occasional national call-up.
His statistics for Victoria and foreign domestic sides, whether Twenty20, List A or in first-class cricket, have been outstanding, yet he has never played a Test.
Hussey is forced to endure the harsh decisions made by Australia’s selectors.
His first class batting average of 54.84 is higher than his one-day and T20 averages and his strike rate in both one-day internationals and T20s are incredibly impressive. He consistently proves himself when he gets the call-up to play for Australia in these matches.
However, it’s almost as though these statistics aren’t being conveyed to the national selectors and Hussey cannot get the national Test call. No matter how impressively he plays, he is out of luck when it comes to getting that baggy green.
Surely age is not the issue. The likes of Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and so on have continued to play well at the top level for many years, even with the occasional form slump. They continue to get the call.
Statistics are not everything in gaining selection. But with the enthusiasm Hussey brings to the field, his leadership, as well as the bowling he produces to gain important wickets, I can’t find a reason not to give him a chance.
What more does David Hussey have to do to get a baggy green?
AndyMack
Guest
I still cannot comprehend this obsession people seem to have with G Bailey. He just isn't that good. Perception is everything it seems. I think is Aust had Rogers and D Hussey in the top 4, it would make a pretty strong top order. We would find ourselves at 3/30 a lot less often.
TaraP
Guest
I agree with the notion that he doesn't always play well, but what player does in every game? I think that the likes of Forrest and Bailey are right up there in terms of getting selected, Bailey's been on the radar for a while, and I expect that he'll get the call up shortly . I just think in terms of an "unlucky" player or a "hard done by" player, David Hussey is one, I'd like to see him get a chance to play and then see how he performs . Could be interesting !
Adam Ludeke
Roar Pro
"He consistently proves himself when he gets the call-up to play for Australia in these matches." Well... to be honest he's been in and out of the team because his performances until this series were mixed at best. I think he came in averaging around 27. A good player, none the less.
Red Kev
Guest
Pretty well trodden ground. I thought that Hussey appeared to have a weakness to good short-pitched fast bowling (of which there is a lot more in test cricket than limited overs cricket). Maybe he does, maybe he doesn't but perception rules selection. He also has a Shield average lower than his overall FC average which is boosted by county stats. Not that I consider this a bad thing necessarily (performing in swinging England conditions is a good thing), but it is worth noting, and adds a little weight to the idea that bounce and pace trouble him somewhat. I think he'd be behind Forrest and Bailey for a chance in the West Indies but you never know.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Maybe he'll get a belated hit in the West Indies as Clarkey's dodgy hammy may rule him out. Certainly the saintlike treatment of his big bro and Ponting have denied him and others.