ICC World Twenty20: IPL Specialist Mike Hussey, Sriram to Help Australia Prepare for Tourney in India
Mike Hussey, an IPL veteran and Twenty20 specialist, and former Indian batsman Sriram Sridharan, have been roped in as consultants by Cricket Australia for the upcoming World Cup in India in March-April next year
Former international cricketers Mike Hussey and Sriram Sridharan will join the Australian team as coaching consultants as the side prepares for the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 in India early next year. (Get Full Schedule of 2016 World Twenty20 Here)
Sridharan, a former Indian ODI player, will link up with the Australian team for the three T20 Internationals against South Africa prior to the team's arrival in India to assist with its preparation for the World Twenty20. (Australia's Mitchell Starc Set to Miss World Twenty20 After Ankle Surgery)
Hussey, who played 38 T20 Internationals for Australia and captains the Sydney Thunder in the KFC Big Bash League, will join the team for the first two weeks of the tournament in India to assist the players in transitioning to T20 cricket as well as adapting to the conditions in the sub-continent.
Hussey has deep knowledge of Indian conditions after playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) regularly since its inception in 2008. Having played for Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, Hussey's knowledge will benefit the Australia looking to win the Cup from defending champions Sri Lanka.
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Cricket Australia Executive General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard said Hussey's experience will be invaluable as the team looks to win a trophy that has so far eluded Australian cricket since the tournament began in 2007.
"Mike has been one of our most successful players at transitioning between the different formats and his advice and support in this area will be of great benefit to the players who have played a large amount of Test and ODI cricket in the last 12 months.
"He also has significant experience playing in India through the Indian Premier League and will assist in adapting to the unique conditions we will experience."
Hussey excited to assist national team
Hussey said he was excited about the opportunity to work with the Australian side.
"As a proud Australian cricketer I am delighted to be involved in Australia's campaign for the World Twenty20 title. I'm really looking forward to working with the boys and assisting in any way possible with their preparation and match day plans."
Howard said Sridharan's focus would be on preparation for the World Twenty20 during the series against South Africa.
"We will play three T20 Internationals against South Africa prior to arriving in India and Sriram's focus will be on getting the players as prepared as possible for what they will face in India.
"Sriram was a consultant coach with the Australia A side when they travelled to India earlier this year and was due to go to Bangladesh as a consultant prior to the tour being postponed. He has also been working with our National Performance Squad for the past few years," said Howard.
Sriram is the assistant coach for the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League and played eight ODIs for India between 2000 and 2004.
(With inputs from Cricket Australia)