Michael Hussey backs Rohit Sharma to perform to expectations in Australia Tests

Michael Hussey, the former Australian cricketer, reckons that Rohit Sharma has the skills and temperament to succeed as an opener during India’s Test series against the Aussies later this year. In the longer format, Rohit doesn’t have great numbers on Australian soil, scoring 279 runs at an average of 31. His top score of an unbeaten 63 came in 2018 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

However, back then Rohit used to bat in the middle-order and there were doubts over his credentials in Test cricket. But after he started opening the batting from the home series against South Africa, he has managed to change a lot of perceptions.

In the three-match series, the 33-year-old had scores of 176, 127 and 212, showing his class and calibre. Hussey, who’s known as Mr Cricket, said that his recent performances would keep him in good stead going into the Test series.

Rohit Sharma has got the ability and the skill and the temperament, says Hussey

“It’s going to test any batsman in the world, but I think because he’s (Rohit) played a lot of One-Day cricket batting at the top of the order, and now he’s been having some success with the red ball game as well, that’ll give him confidence coming in,” Hussey was quoted as saying on ‘Sony Ten’s Pit Stop’ chat show.

As a Test opener, Rohit has scored 556 runs in five matches at an average of 92.66 with three centuries. Hussey also believes that the Australian bowling attack is a power-packed one and it won’t be easy for Rohit to counter the threat.

“I have no doubt in my mind that he’s got the ability and the skill and the temperament, to be able to handle it. I think he would adapt. No, worries at all of his batting at the top of the order. It will be challenging in Australian conditions against the top-quality bowling attack with pace and bounce,” the southpaw added.

Rohit had a chance to play in two-match Test series in New Zealand as well. But he developed an injury in the T20I series prior to that and was ruled out. Prithvi Shaw replaced him as the opener in the matches.