Hussey announces retirement

[RustyCage]

http://www.cricket.com.au/news-list/2012/12/29/hussey-retires

Hussey announces retirement

Mike Hussey has today announced that the third Vodafone Test against Sri Lanka in Sydney will be his last Test.

Australia’s 393rd Test Cap, Hussey will play his 79th and final Test in Sydney but noted he will play out the remainder of the 2012-13 Australian summer, as well as be available for the WA Warriors and Perth Scorchers.

He will review his availability for the Warriors and Scorchers at the end of the 2012-13 season.

CA Chairman Wally Edwards said he had followed Hussey's career with admiration at Wanneroo, Western Australia and, after 10 years of fine state cricket, as an Australian player.

"Michael has had a fine career - he has been a great player, a great team player and has always been a great person, on and off the field," Mr Edwards said.

"To debut as a Test cricketer at 30 and to go on and achieve what he has done has been absolutely terrific".

CA Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said Hussey would be a huge loss on and off the field for Australia, but wished him well in his life after cricket.

“Michael Hussey has been a vital contributor to many Australian team wins over his very successful Test cricket career.

“Affectionately known as "Mr Cricket", he has always been thoroughly committed to meticulous preparation and the highest levels of physical fitness which have in turn delivered consistent performances in all forms of the game.

“An incredibly reliable player and leader within the Australian cricket team, Michael will retire from Test cricket with a record that puts him amongst the very best Australian batsmen of all time.

“Beyond his contributions to team success, he will be remembered for the way he has carried himself on and off the field - and in doing so he has won the respect and admiration of players, officials and fans all around the world.

“In congratulating him on a great Test career, we wish him well and hope to see him stay close to the game after his playing days are over,” Mr Sutherland said.

[Jim05]

Wow, that came all of a sudden.
In the form he was in I expected him to maybe retire at end of next summer.
We will definately miss him in England next year

[locky801]

Huge loss to the Test side IMHO, has been in great form, well probably most of his career but even more so of late.

Has been a pleasure to watch many of his innings where he has been a part of setting up a victory or saving a game.

One of our best i believe

[Squids]

We are totally screwed for the Ashes now. Unbelievable.

Better to go out on stop I guess. Still a total shock.

[whufc]

Very surprised he didnt play to at least the away Ashes, possibly even the home Ashes series.

WOW really puts us in a spot of bother, in hindsight would maybe have rathered he had done it at the end of the Saffies series, now we will be bringing in an inexperinced player against India and England both away, thats a real tough gig.

Could it open a spot for his brother to add some experience to the side and another bowling option particullary in India, David has played alot of cricket over there even if it is just t20.

[Jim05]

Wonder if it was own decision or if he was given a gentle tap on the shoulder.
Fair ammount of experience lost from the batting with Ponting and Hussey gone

[Punk Rooster]

Wonder if it was own decision or if he was given a gentle tap on the shoulder.
Fair ammount of experience lost from the batting with Ponting and Hussey gone

If it was a tap on the shoulder from CA, then we are rooted for years to come.

[RustyCage]

strange time to do it, in great form, he has left us with a huge hole in the team for the Ashes, with no obvious replacement, but surprise surprise he is still going to play T20. England will be rubbing their hands together.

[The Dark Knight]

Can't believe Huss has announced his retirement!! Strange decision because he's been in such great form lately.

[RustyCage]

Can't believe Huss has announced his retirement!! Strange decision because he's been in such great form lately.

if it was a tap on the shoulder, the selectors should be sacked immediately.

[daysofourlives]

Not that strange IMO.

In England v Eng 276 @34 in 2009
v Pak 69 @23 in 2010
His last tour of India 99 @ 24.75. in 2010/11

He really did struggle last ashes series in England with the swinging ball, 4 years on he isn't likely to be any better.

It shouldn't be a massive loss for us, pretty sure we can find someone to pump out those numbers.

Has had a fantastic career for such a late starter.
Who can blame him for going out at or near the top of his game instead of enduring the speculation and scrutiny that would inevitably follow below par performances in the next 12 months

[Jimmy]

Not that strange IMO.

In England v Eng 276 @34 in 2009
v Pak 69 @23 in 2010
His last tour of India 99 @ 24.75. in 2010/11

He really did struggle last ashes series in England with the swinging ball, 4 years on he isn't likely to be any better.

It shouldn't be a massive loss for us, pretty sure we can find someone to pump out those numbers.

Has had a fantastic career for such a late starter.
Who can blame him for going out at or near the top of his game instead of enduring the speculation and scrutiny that would inevitably follow below par performances in the next 12 months

Good points. Time for some new blood to step up.

[stan]

Marveleous player. Brillant career!

Now opens the door for Khawaja if he is good enough to take it!

[Brodlach]

He is 37 and wants to go out while still playing good cricket. Great call IMO. Doesn't want to go on one too many series as a few have done in recent years

[Media Park]

Khawaja has big shoes to fill. I assume he will get the first crack.

[The Dark Knight]

Not that strange IMO.

In England v Eng 276 @34 in 2009
v Pak 69 @23 in 2010
His last tour of India 99 @ 24.75. in 2010/11

He really did struggle last ashes series in England with the swinging ball, 4 years on he isn't likely to be any better.

It shouldn't be a massive loss for us, pretty sure we can find someone to pump out those numbers.

Has had a fantastic career for such a late starter.
Who can blame him for going out at or near the top of his game instead of enduring the speculation and scrutiny that would inevitably follow below par performances in the next 12 months

Yes he did struggle in England in 2009 and it was bad to watch but I thought he would of wanted to go to England this time around, have a good series with the bat and help our boys win back the Urn? Obviously not.

Although I guess it's better to go out still playing good cricket and retire on a high.

[the joker]

Legend


Means the last few shield games are huge for the likes of
Quiney, Doolan, burns, ferguson and Haddin. One of those will be the spare batsman in England. And that's on the proviso that Watson will be fit and playing. And Cowan keeps scoring runs

[rod_rooster]

Anyone asking why only needs to read this quote:

"I was quite excited to tell my family this morning that I wouldn’t be going away anymore…"

Class act on and off the field. As a father and husband he sure made a fine cricketer. Thankyou to the Hussey family for sharing him with us and all the best.

[Aerie]

Huge loss to the Australian cricket team. Has had a brilliant career after beginning his international career so late.

Seems to be playing as well as ever. A shock that he would choose now and not 12 months time to call it quits.

[JK]

Seems to be playing as well as ever. A shock that he would choose now and not 12 months time to call it quits.

Would seeing the ex-skip go out as a shell of his former self have played a part?

All players have peaks and troughs, it's pretty much inevitable .. At his age, your next trough would signal the end. Fair decision by Mr Cricket IMHO