WT20: India-Australia clash is like a mini final, says Michael Hussey

Australia, who are yet to lift a World Twenty20 title, face a tall order in the second stage of the competition, as they first take on India, followed by South Africa and then Pakistan.

"The pressure and tension is only going to rise as we get closer to that India match because it's a huge game," Hussey said.

Hussey felt a win here would help the Australians stake their claim for a place in the semi-finals.

"If we can win that first one in the Super Eights, it does give you that confidence and that little buffer that you know you just need one out of the last two to get through. It's pretty much an early grand final really in the context of the tournament," he said.

Speaking of the Men in Blue, Hussey said he has massive respect for Virender Sehwag and insisted that he could never be out of form. "I would never say that Sehwag is out of form. He can miss out a couple of times, but we all know that every time he misses out, he is closer to the next big one. Normally, when he scores big runs, he scores them quickly, so I will never say Sehwag is out of form," Hussey said.

Bhajji's threat

Harbhajan Singh fired on all cylinders against England recently, finishing with figures of 4-12, as India thumped the defending champions by 90 runs.

However, Hussey claimed the Aussies are far better equipped to tackle the off-spinner than the English. "Of, course he (Harbhajan) is going to strengthen the team. He is someone that we respect but when you play Twenty20, you've got to be aggressive as well and try and put him under pressure. He did a fantastic job the other night, but I think we can play him better than the English team," he added.