Chennai, Apr 16: Chennai Super Kings' Australian recruit Michael Hussey, who hit a fluent 83 in his team's 21-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore here today, said he was just playing according to the situation.
“I was more playing towards the situation of the team. Murali Vijay and I wanted to get a good start. It was important to get runs early because the pitch was good with the new ball.
“Vijay kickstarted the partnership, then when he got out, we had to start (again) a little bit. (It was a case of) reassessing as we went along the way,” Hussey said.
Asked if the score has been settled with Zaheer Khan, who had got him out in the World Cup quarterfinal, Hussey said, “No probably not. It was a good ball in the World Cup. It was a good slower ball that spun off the pitch. (But today) I had a bit of luck along the way and sometimes in cricket, you have a bit of luck.”
Hussey was also disappointed with the fact that Australia are not the world champions anymore.
“Of course it's disappointing to (have gone out) out of the World Cup, but India played outstanding cricket. I felt we had a very good total, the pitch was turning quite a lot, and there was lot of pressure on the Indian, (but) they showed they're the world champions, they chased down a tough score on a tough pitch. We gave it our best shot but came up short, its unfortunate, but congratulations India, you deserved to win the World Cup.”
On how his role has changed after the departure of Mathew Hayden from CSK, Hussey said, “All of us go with whatever the team requires. Sometimes I might have to open the innings, try and set a platform for the team and some times, I might also have to play in middle order. I think it's one of the strengths of the Chennai team, we're flexible, we cover all our bases. We might bring in Styris in the next game, we might bring in Bollinger.”
Hussey is also comfortable batting at any position.
“I think experience helps, having played in different situations of games. Basically you don't want to make it too complicated, even if you get out first ball, try to help the team you've still done your job. I don't like to complicate things too much, just try and clear my mind,and stay relaxed.”
On CSK playing three seamers and two spinners, he said, “Our strength is they are all different spinners. They're three quality bowlers, do a job for us on a consistent basis.
It makes it very challenging for batsmen. M S also makes a very good job of using them. I am happy for Suraj Randiv, I believe he's been a bit unlucky in a couple of games, he's an important member of the team. PTI
