Sydney: Australia’s Michael Hussey dreads hearing calls for Sachin Tedulkar’s retirement, fearing that the criticism may just fire up the Indian for a better performance.
Former India skipper Kapil Dev had recently said that Tendulkar should have retired after the winning the World Cup.
However, Hussey despite Tendulkar’s ordinary form in the ongoing tri-series, it his wicket that Australian cherishes the most.
“He’s still a key wicket. Experience says he’s done it in the past. He’s a great player and his record speaks for itself. Tendulkar is someone you’re always desperate to get out cheaply because if you do you know the team is well on the way to limiting India to a smaller total and [therefore] winning the match,” Hussey said.
“I don’t know how the man ticks because I haven’t had a great deal to do with him, but I don’t think anyone needs that much more motivation to play for their country. However, if it has (struck a nerve) it makes him probably more dangerous, so (criticism of Tendulkar) is something I don’t want to hear,” Hussey told Sydney Morning Herald.
The pressure of non-performance also cost Ricky Ponting his place in the One-day side. Hussey the selectors’ decision shocked him.
“It was a tough call, a very tough call to leave someone of Ricky Ponting’s class and character out of the team and he’ll be missed around the team, there’s no question,” Hussey said. (PTI)
