Former Australia batsman Michael Hussey has ruled out coming out of international retirement to rescue the national cricket team, which is reeling under two demoralising Test defeats in India.
“Nah, I don’t think so,” Hussey said, brushing aside thoughts of a comeback.
He said it is important that Australia show faith in the batsmen on tour, rather than sending him an SOS.
“They have picked a squad for this tour so you have got to try and believe and back the guys you have chosen and show faith in them — I think that is really important,” Hussey was quoted as saying by the ‘Australian’.
“It looks like it has been pretty tough batting on those wickets so I don’t think I would have had too much of a say.”
Hussey, who announced his retirement from Test cricket in January, is regarded as Australia’s finest players of spin bowling along with current skipper Michael Clarke.
Hussey’s absence was felt in the two embarrassing losses in Chennai and Hyderabad.
India started the four-match Test series with an eight-wicket win, before decimating the visitors by an innings and 135 runs to take a 2-0 lead.
“It has been tough to watch. It looks like it has been tough for the boys over there, no doubt about it. The mood would be pretty flat, I would have thought,” he said.
“Particularly if you haven’t played Test cricket over there before, it can be really challenging. I’m sure the boys will hopefully get better as the series goes on. Obviously we can’t win the series outright now but there is still a lot to play for in trying to get back to two-all.
“And the more you play in those conditions, the better your plans become and the better you can execute your plans.
You have just got to try and stay positive and stick to what your plans are.”
Hussey scored 6,235 runs at an average of 51.52 in 79 Tests.