World T20: Mike Hussey, S Sriram to mentor Australian team: Cricket Australia appointed Mike Hussey as consultant of the national team for the World T20 2016 to be held in India. He will join former India left-arm spinner Sridharan Sriram to help the players prepare well in Indian conditions.
Australia have never won the World T20 title and are set to face a tough challenge in Indian conditions being placed in the ‘Group of Death’ along with the hosts India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh most likely to join them at Super 10 stage. S Sriram will join the side when it tours South Africa for a 3-match T20I series just before the World T20 to gear themselves up.
Mike Hussey is expected to be with the forces for the first two weeks of the tournament in India. Australia’s major concern will be the availability of their bowling spearhead Mitchell Starc who is recovering from an ankle injury. They are yet to find an instrumental spinner for limited-overs who can do their job in Indian conditions. Mike Hussey: “As a proud Australian cricketer I am delighted to be involved in Australia”s campaign for the World T20 title. I”m really looking forward to working with the boys and assisting in any way possible with their preparation and match day plans.”
Australia’s general manager feels Mike Hussey has been their one of the best at transitioning between different formats. The veteran southpaw’s advice and tips will definitely benefit the players who have played very less T20 cricket in last one year. Hussey has a vast experience playing in India through the IPL and will help in getting used to the unique conditions, says the manager, Pat Howard. Sriram, who worked earlier with Australia ‘A’ side when they toured India, was set to work with the national team for
Australia’s tour of Bangladesh before it was cancelled due to security reasons. Sriram’s tips and advice to the ‘A’ team on playing spin in these conditions earned praise. Australia begin their World T20 campaign on March 18 in Dharmasala against the rivals New Zealand.