Hussey unfazed by past record

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Hussey unfazed by past record

Mike Hussey said he has nothing to prove against South Africa in the three-Test series - even though he has a wretched recent record against them.

The 37-year-old has averaged a meagre 18.46 runs in his past 16 innings against the world's number one Test team, with his only half-century against them in that period coming in Durban back in March 2009.
But Hussey believes tough conditions in South Africa have played a big part in his struggles, and expects his performance to be boosted by local conditions this time around.
The three-match Test series begins in Brisbane on November 9.
And when asked if he would have something to prove, Hussey said: "I don't look at it that way.
"I think conditions can play a big part. The Test matches that we've played against South Africa in South Africa have been extremely difficult for batting, I think back to the Cape Town game (last year) when we were bowled out for 40-odd.
"But I'm expecting the pitches in Australia to be very good, very true and if you can get in and get through that initial period, there's no reason why a few of the guys can't go on and get big scores."
Hussey insisted he has not worried himself about the prospect of facing the world's best pace attack even though no bowlers have dismissed him in the Test arena more often than dynamic South African duo Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, who have had his wicket five times each.
"I have tried doing that before I think against England, I'd had a mediocre season against England and I was getting all worried about it and then ended up performing a lot better against them the next time," Hussey said.
"So there's no point in worrying or stressing about anything that's happened in the past because there's enough things to worry and stress about when you're out in the middle in a Test match anyway."
Hussey rates the South African bowling line-up - spearheaded by Steyn, Morkel and Vernon Philander - as the best he has ever faced, but queried suggestions that it may be the greatest the country has ever produced.
"Best ever is a pretty big call, they've had some pretty amazing bowlers with (Shaun) Pollock and (Allan) Donald in the same team, I think (Brian) McMillan was there," Hussey said.
"But certainly, statistically speaking, they're probably right up there with the best that's ever played for South Africa."
After experiencing a lean patch late last year, Hussey returned to form in emphatic fashion with consecutive scores of 89 and 150 not out during Australia's convincing 4-0 series win against India.
Hussey will line up for Western Australia against Victoria in a Sheffield Shield clash starting on Thursday, and although he admitted only having one four-day match to prepare for South Africa was not ideal, he expects to benefit from facing up against Australian team-mates Peter Siddle, James Pattinson and Clint McKay.
"It's not perfect," he said, "I'd definitely prefer at least a couple (of Shield matches).
"(But) it is perfect preparation to face a quality attack."