Hussey eyes win in Bangalore
Australian batsman Mike Hussey is looking forward to the second Test against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 that is set to start in Bangalore in two days time, the left hander is keen on a solid performance that can help in salvaging a series leveling win.
The visitors had their hearts broken in the first Test at Mohali when http://www.senore.com/Cricket/VVS-Laxman-c2772 fashioned one of the greatest comebacks in recent Test history to help the hosts win in a remarkable finish.
The Indians were down and out for the count needing 92 runs to win with two wickets standing when Laxman was joined by Ishant Sharma on the last day of the match.
The two added 70 odd for the ninth wicket before Sharma fell, yet the Aussies were denied when last man Pragyan Ojha stood defiant amid an onslaught by the quicker bowlers and some dicey umpiring helped the Indians sneak home in an
absolute nail biter.
However, the umpiring cannot be blamed as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ishant-Sharma-c64566 was unfortunate to be given out lbw just as Ojha was fortunate to be not given out when struck on the pads by left arm seam bowler Mitchell Johnson.
The result left the Australians bitterly disappointed and Hussey felt the same with the match going against his team.
"We were part of something special, but we are disappointed with the result", Hussey said. "We have played some amazing Tests over the years, but being on the winning side makes a h**l of a difference. In Adelaide against England we
were on the winning side, and it was an amazing feeling. After the Test match, the dressing room was very quiet but we are proud of giving such a good performance".
The man named Mr. Cricket for his outstanding performances at the start of his career claims that the Australians did not discuss the performance in Mohali after the match was over as it was something that they had to forget soon and
concentrate on the job at hand, which is now to level the two match series.
Hussey added that the team was to get a briefing at the team hotel on the eve of the second Test. "We will get a debriefing this afternoon at the hotel", he said. "We sort of spoke after each day's play and talked about things that
are good and what we can improve on. I think in general we did a lot of things really well. We had our opportunities to win, but we couldn't do the job and get over the line. From a positive point of view, we did a lot of things right".
He added that the Aussies in true Australian way had put the misery at Mohali behind them and had a plan of toppling the hosts with positive and aggressive cricket.
"Mood was pretty buoyant at the training. The boys are in good spirits. Some of the guys, particularly the fast bowlers, are trying to recover as best as they can because it was a grueling Test match. After a tough match in Mohali,
the focus is on recovery but we have to keep our skills in good shape as well".
There remains an injury concern in the Aussie camp as left arm fast bowler Doug Bollinger is yet to recover from the injury that ruled him out on the last day of the Mohali Test.
"I believe it is just a minor strain. We are hopeful he is going to be okay. But he'll have to bowl tomorrow and we'll see how he pulls up on the morning of the match. If he doesn't, then we have three other young guys, who would
love to have the opportunity".
Once again the wicket at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore is set to favour the slower bowlers. Hence, Hussey and the rest of the Australian squad would be pinning their hopes on Nathan Hauritz, who looked off colour in the opening
Test match, and many believe his lack of form was the reason for the Indians sneaking home on the last day of the match.
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