Hussey expected squad spot

Left-hander not taking anything for granted against the West Indies

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 20th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hussey expected squad spot

Hussey: Unsurprised by Test squad spot

I don't know if relief is the right word, but I'm very happy to be part of the first XII and excited about the summer ahead

Michael Hussey
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Michael Hussey has revealed he was fairly confident he would retain his place in Australia's Test squad for the series against the West Indies.

The left-hander hit a century hundred in the final Ashes Test at The Oval and continued his good form in the one-day series' in England, South Africa and India.

While expecting to keep his place, the 34-year-old admitted he was still delighted to be confirmed in the party to face the Windies.

"I don't know if relief is the right word, but I'm very happy to be part of the first XII and excited about the summer ahead. It will be nice to get a big score early on in the first couple of Tests to really slam it home," said Hussey.

"There's always a little bit of doubt, but I was very hopeful. I had read some of Ricky (Ponting)'s comments and he was always very supportive and sounded like he was backing me."

Form dipped

Despite his late Ashes success, Hussey averaged 34.50 during the series to take his career average down to 52.65.

He is now intent on putting runs on the board to help secure his place in the squad and strengthen his chances for the home Ashes series Down Under next year.

"In my own mind and heart I felt I was playing well and it was good to get good results with that hundred at The Oval and performing well in the one-day games. I just wanted to put together a case that meant the selectors couldn't drop me," he said.

"I'd love to be there for the Ashes again and I will be doing everything I can by scoring as many runs as I can to be part of that team.

"Losing an Ashes series gives you that burning desire inside to win them back and I have no plans to finish before that."

Hussey admitted he has been grateful to spend some time at home with his family after being rested from Western Australia's Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at the MCG.

"It was a difficult one really and we did speak long and hard with the selectors, coaching staff and Ricky about it," he said.

"I would have loved to have a four-day game to see the red ball and get into that longer form of playing, but having said that India is a mentally draining and exhausting place to play.

"I don't get much time with the family, so it's been nice to take my mind off the game for a week and try to enjoy that home life which I'm craving."

Despite predictions of an Australian whitewash against the Windies, Hussey is expecting tough opposition in the batting line-up.

"It's going to be a really good Test series," he added. "If you look at the spine of the West Indies' batting order they have some world-class players."