Hussey's vision

By Jon Steer
April 13 2005

April snow welcomed Mike Hussey to the riverside last week as he followed in the footsteps of fellow Western Austalia player and Durham captain David Boon. Hussey will be keen to give Durham the king of boost that Boon did back in 1997.

Hussey admits that he had offers from other counties but couldn't say no to the challenge of leading Durham, he claims to share a vision with coach Martyn Moxon about how to take the county forward. Hussey's contract is for two years but Hussey has already made it clear that should he be successfull he would like to stay for longer.

After three successive finishes in the bottom two of division two there are big hopes that a much stronger Durhan squad can deliver results this season. Hussey has pointed to getting the basics right as his top priority. The new captain explained that he thinks the increased competition for places this season will help focus the players minds and bring stronger more consistent performances:

"If you are in the Test or State side you know there are four or five guys waiting to come in if your performance levels drops. It keeps you on your toes and ensures your approach to every game is right.

"I want Durham to be able to show those things as well. We've got a lot of depth to our squad, there is no opportunity to switch off for those guys who are in the team. In recent years, I'm not sure Durham have had that competition for places.

Hussey has faith in the talent of the current squad and has earmarked five players - Plunkett, Mustard, Davies, Muchall and Gary Pratt as future England players but he says it will be up to them to make the most of the talent they have.

Hussey faces his first test on Wednesday at Grace Road as Durham try to improve on double defeat to Leicestershire last season.