World Cup: Former Australia batsman Mike Hussey links up with South Africa as consultant
Thursday 5 February 2015 07:46, UK
Former Australia Test batsman Mike Hussey has been drafted in by South Africa as a consultant during the World Cup, with the Proteas looking to win the tournament for the first time.
Hussey, who retired in 2013 after 79 Tests for Australia, has a stellar one-day record, averaging 48.15 from his 185 internationals.
His manager confirmed to the Cricket Australia website that the 39-year-old would attend training sessions and give advice to the South Africans on how to play in Australian conditions.
"We've had some discussions with Mike Hussey about him joining us on a consultancy process," South Africa coach Russell Domingo said.
"He's a middle-order batter of immense experience and knows conditions very well in Australia.
"He'll play a very low-key role in the background."
The future of Hussey, who has continued to play in the Indian Premier League and the domestic Big Bash League, has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks.
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Reports last month suggested he could replace Duncan Fletcher as India coach, although Hussey denied any links to the job.
The World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, gets underway on February 14 with the opening match between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket ground.
South Africa's opening game comes a day later against Zimbabwe.
