Former Test star Mike Hussey believes Australia’s goal of reclaiming the No.1 Test ranking is a realistic one following a summer of domination over England.
A 5-0 sweep of their Ashes rivals would lift Australia, currently fifth in the world, into third on the ICC Test rankings heading into their next series – away to the top-ranked South Africans in February.
Michael Clarke’s men, should they keep up their current level of success, could feasibly soar up the rankings and achieve his goal of taking the mantle of the best Test team on the planet once again.
Prior to the Perth Test, holding a 2-0 Ashes lead, Clarke reiterated his desire to lead Australia to the top of the ICC rankings once again.
Despite going nine Tests without tasting victory in 2013, Hussey is confident based on the form shown this summer it is an attainable target – especially if it is one the tenacious Clarke has set his sights on.
“Without doubt … if that’s what the team goal is, and certainly when I was playing that’s what Michael’s goal for the team was,” Hussey said on Monday.
“Knowing Michael and how determined he is, he won’t let anything stand in the way until he’s done that.”
Prior to the drought-breaking victory in the opening Ashes Test at the Gabba last month, Australia hadn’t won since Hussey retired from international cricket in January.
Following that healthy win over an injury-plagued Sri Lankan team at the SCG, Australia endured a 4-0 series loss in India and a 3-0 thumping in England mid-year.
Even Hussey, who had been involved as a player until last summer and remains heavily involved in Australian cricket, admits he’s been a touch blown away by just how dominant Australia have been in the opening three Tests.
And the ferocity of the victories hints at bigger rewards on the horizon.
“I’d have to say I’ve been … a little bit surprised at how emphatic it’s been,” he said.
“I knew the guys were really hungry and I knew they were hurting a lot from having a couple of series losses.
“So I expected to see that hunger and you can really see how hungry those guys are.
“But just how emphatic the victories have been has been a little bit surprising I guess.
“I know England is a great team and they’ve been a great team for quite a period of time.
“So for Australia to win and win so convincingly has been brilliant for the team and brilliant for their confidence moving forward.”
ozinsa
Guest
OK I'll bite. WI, NZ, SL? You're a deluded tool
IndianCricketFan
Guest
Still doesn't change the fact, this iteration of the Ashes is for rights to LAST PLACE FINISH among today’s legit test playing nations.
ozinsa
Guest
ICF, what basis do you have for thinking that India will even give SA a game? It certainly can't be on recent away from home form - or historical for that matter. The Flat Track Bully batting lineup looked like deers in the headlights facing Steyn and Co in One Dayers - a lot like they looked in Australia three years back in the 4-0 drubbing. The Wanderers test won't last three days unless the Saffas bat first and go for two. Your bully boys had better search the team hotel for a few hearts or it will be a slaughter.
IndianCricketFan
Guest
My say: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha......" This iteration of the Ashes is for rights to LAST PLACE FINISH among today's legit test playing nations. The decider for #1 spot starts Dec 18th at the Wanderers, Jo'burg. Silly how little things get Oz's/Poms all excited when they play each other.
Wallabies No. 1
Guest
The saffas are a bit better than England, maybe we could wait to see how we go against them before proclaiming number one status again? Nah... Aussie number one!
JGK
Roar Guru
FFS, we haven't even won the series yet.