‘Writing off Kohli could mean eating humble pie’
“It’s all about starting well, getting some momentum and confidence going early in the tournament,” said Hussey.
The two-time World Cup winner’s tips for the Indian batsmen is to play as late as possible unlike Australia where one can meet the deliveries on the rise.
“I feel from a batting point of view, you need to wait for the ball more and play as late as possible. In Australia, as the pitches are generally true and you can go at the ball and hit through the line,” Hussey observed.
Hussey also expects that spinners would have some role to play at the three venues -- Birmingham, Cardiff and The Oval.
“It is hard for me to say when I haven’t looked at the pitches, but if they are dry, then I definitely think the spinners will play a role in the tournament.”
The veteran of 185 ODIs feels that Steve Smith’s Australia have a very good chance to win the trophy with the kind of squad they have.
“I think Australia has a great chance. The team looks strong but it is a very tough competition to win as all the teams are very good and you can’t really afford any slip-ups along the way. If the team starts well and gets their confidence up, then they will be hard to stop,” the Aussie said.
Smith and IPL’s Orange Cap winner David Warner have both been in good form, which is a great advantage for the Aussies.
“But they always seem to be in good form!,” Hussey commented, adding: “They are crucial to Australia’s chances. It is good that they are in good form leading into the tournament.”
While he feels that the Champions Trophy final could become a limited overs ‘Ashes’ rivalry between England and Australia, he won’t mind an India versus Australia summit showdown. “Of course it can happen, if India can get through to the final! Just teasing you,” he signed off.
CHAMPIONS TROPHY Despite Virat’s poor form in IPL10, Aussie great Mike Hussey says opposing teams cannot take the India skipper lightly You can’t keep a gun player down for long and I am sure he will be determined to show the world his class again
Australia have a great chance. The team looks strong but it is a tough competition as all the teams are very good.
It is hard for me to say... but if they (pitches) are dry, then I definitely think the spinners will play a role in the tournament.