Wednesday night's 82-runs defeat by India at Kingsmead has left England
needing to end a 13-match losing run against the world champions
stretching back nearly four years if they are to give themselves a chance
of reaching the Super Sixes.
Not since their seven-runs day-night victory at Sydney on January 17,
1999 have England tasted victory over Australia in a one-day international
and the world champions' form so far in the group does not suggest that
sequence is about to end.
But despite the setback against India, Hussain remains optimistic about
their chances for Sunday's showdown in Port Elizabeth and believes their
experience of beating Namibia at St George's Park will prove vital.
"Any side that's going to win this World Cup is going to have to
beat Australia, so Sunday is as good enough time to do it as any," he
stressed.
"We came within five runs of beating Australia last time and we've
played at the ground we have to play on against Australia.
"We've also played against them a lot recently and we know their
strengths and weaknesses."
At least Hussain can take consolation from the stunning form of
all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. Firstly he dismissing Virender Sehwag and
Sachin Tendulkar during a stunning 10-over spell of two for 15, then he
played a mature innings of 64 off 75 balls as England were dismissed for
168 in reply to India's 250 for nine.
Flintoff's display made amends for James Anderson's first under-par
World Cup display for England, with Tendulkar exploiting his experience
early on during a stunning half-century off only 52 balls.
Hussain, though, insisted he was delighted with both his Lancastrians
against India, although he will be demanding more from each of them if
England are to overcome Australia this Sunday.
"We want a little more yet from Flintoff," said Hussain.
"He's had a good game but let's not build him up - he's a very useful
cricketer and does things other people can't do.
"To run in and bowl like he did against that batting line-up and
bat like he did was very impressive and both he and Anderson did well.
"I'm not worried about Anderson or the pressure on him. He's just
going along and progressing nicely - he's got to learn but there's no
better bowling experience than bowling to Sachin Tendulkar."
