Senior Australian Test batsman Mike Hussey says he is inspired by Sachin Tendulkar to soldier on despite talk his time at the top may be coming to an end.
Hussey’s place in Australia’s ageing batting lineup has come under pressure ahead of the Ashes series against England starting next month. The 35-year-old has managed just two centuries in almost two years.
But after watching Indian maestro Tendulkar, 37, destroy Australia in this month’s Test series in India, Hussey says he is tempted to go on for a few more years.
“It does give you a bit of inspiration and I’ve got a lot of inspiration from a lot of guys,” Hussey told reporters late on Wednesday.
Tendulkar scored his sixth double-century and took his career tally past 14,000 runs in a 2-0 Test series win over Australia.
Hussey said he also drew strength from the late-blooming careers of fellow Australian batsmen.
“Steve Waugh played quite late into his 30s, Matthew Hayden played very well, Justin Langer played very well into his late 30s, so I don’t think age is a barrier whatsoever,” he said.
“It’s about whether you’re up for the battle, you’re enjoying the challenge out in the middle, enjoying playing for Australia and as long as you’re contributing to the team, that’s what it comes down to the end as well.
“It took me 10 years just to get one game for Australia so I don’t want to wish it away too quickly.
“You’re a long time retired.”
Hussey will make a rare appearance for his state Western Australia in their Sheffield Shield match with South Australia, starting Friday at Adelaide Oval, and the November 17-20 match against Victoria in Melbourne ahead of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane on November 25.
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