Mike Hussey picks his favorite team to lift the CT 2017 title

The expectations are at another stratum for this high voltage clash as Team India takes on the arch-rivals Pakistan at The Oval on Sunday (18th June). After former Pakistani cricketers, the former Australian cricketer, Mike Hussey has picked his favourite team to lift this year’s Champions Trophy.

From being the legendary cricketer to being the voice for the broadcasters, Mike Hussey has played and seen quite a lot of cricket to put his firm statement for the upcoming clash. He has favoured India to lift their second title in a row as they clash against the number eight rank team, Pakistan. However, he added that Men In Green have the potential to upset any team in world on their day.

Pakistan the ‘Surprise Package’

In the column for International Cricket Council, Mike Hussey wrote “Pakistan has surprised everyone in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 after being ranked eighth coming into the tournament, and was well and truly beaten in its first match against India. Since that match, every game has virtually been a knock-out game for it. It has played as though it has nothing to lose, with a freedom to express its skills, which is commendable considering the situation it found itself in.”

India favorites

Being thrashed by Virat Kohli & Co. on 4th of June and considering Pakistan’s not so great record against India in ICC events, he stated that, “Pakistan doesn’t have an impressive record against India in ICC events. That said, the ICC Champions Trophy is the only event where it has defeated India, not once but twice – in 2004 at Southampton and in 2009 at Centurion.”

However, he praised Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed for the way he has reunited the group after a humiliating loss against India in the opening encounter of the tournament and it was his brilliant captaincy, that helped Pakistan to reach the finals.

“Although the two sides are locked at two-all on a head to head in the ICC Champions Trophy, I am sure Pakistan will get additional inspiration and motivation from its past successes in this event and will aim to extend its run come Sunday,” Mr Cricket said.

Hussey further pointed that India’s middle order hasn’t got much opportunity in the tournament so far and it will be pivotal for Pakistan’s bowlers to them which eventually would give them a fair chance to be on top of the game.

Focus should be on the game

He further raised his concerns about the distractions and wants the Indian team to be focused on the game and not take any sort of pressure coming from outside.

“One of the keys to winning big games is each player being able to disregard all the outside distractions and focus on his role in the team. There will be many distractions when India lines up against Pakistan in the final, with a manic crowd likely to be out of control in the lead up and on match day as the hype for this match will be huge,” he said.

“India is in a great place and must be favoured to retain the ICC Champions Trophy but no-one should discount Pakistan. It is a mercurial team and this tournament has thrown up so many upsets so far,” Michael Hussey concluded.