Veteran proves worth ahead of Ashes

MICHAEL HUSSEY has lived in the shadow of his captain this year but his latest test century has again underlined why he remains a key plank in Australia’s bid to regain the Ashes next year.

The West Australian southpaw gave another reminder why he is still a force in world cricket, compiling his fourth century of the year – and 19th of his career, on a pitch offering variable bounce.

With 833 runs this calendar year, the 37- year- old remains a bluechip stock in Australia’s top six, which is no mean feat considering the recent struggles of fellow greybeards Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar.

‘‘At this stage it looks like he’s got a good few years ahead of him,’’ an impressed Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford said.

But Hussey, a late bloomer who is keen to squeeze out the last drop of his career, is aware his time at the top could end swiftly.

‘‘I’m under no illusions that it’ll happen to me as well,’’ Hussey, whose days in the baggy green appeared numbered two years ago, said.

‘‘It just takes a couple of good balls or a couple of bad shots or things not to go your way and you can feel under pressure as well. At the moment it seems to have gone my way but understanding how the game goes it can turn very quickly so I just want to try to enjoy it while it lasts.’’

Hussey’s unbeaten 115 continued his love affair against Sri Lanka, from whom he has now plundered five centuries from six games. Although 2012 will be remembered as the year Clarke came of age as a batsman, Hussey’s feats shouldn’t be forgotten either. The evergreen veteran has averaged above 50 in two of his past three series – the exception being the tour of the Caribbean where he was Australia’s leading run- scorer and most consistent contributor with the bat.

Having out-stayed fellow thirtysomethings Ponting and Brad Haddin, Hussey’s experience in England will be vital in the first of Australia’s two Ashes quests in the next 12 months.

Although each of Hussey’s four centuries this year have been dwarfed by a masterclass from Clarke, and in Sydney also by Ponting’s drought- breaking ton, his effort in top billing.

He arrived at the crease with his team far from comfortably placed at 198-4 and by the time he finished had given Australian enough runs for Clarke to make another astute declaration.

One of four men who plays all three forms of the game for Australia, Hussey demonstrated his versatility with an innings which showed consideration for the state of the game.

He was watchful late on Friday night and again on the second morning as Sri Lanka, buoyed after claiming Clarke’s wicket, gave their

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commanded opposition little to hit, but accelerated following lunch, scoring his last 49 runs at better than a run a ball after Australia released the handbrake.

He brought up his century in comical fashion when Angelo Mathews tipped a straightforward catch in the deep into the rope. It was the only chance Hussey offered.

‘‘ Every test match century is hard to get and very, very rewarding, particularly at my stage of my career where I know I can’t play forever,’’ Hussey said.