Jonhenry Wilson digs out a cracker from the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead vault as we count down the weeks to the three-match T20 International series between the Proteas and Australia!
Batsman Michael Hussey epitomised Australia and South Africa’s longstanding rivalry at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead in 2011.
The ODI series was level, one-all, when the Proteas and Australians headed to Durban for the crucial decider.
Trio Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Johnson and Pat Cummins ensured Australia’s victory in the first ODI before duo Jacques Kallis and Morne Morkel won the second for the Proteas. Come the third ODI, Hussey duly delivered with a Player of the Series performance that had threatened throughout.
The quick-scoring left-hander had hit 30 not out in Centurion and 37 in Port Elizabeth prior to arriving in Durban, where challenging conditions demanded cool, calm and collection from an experienced campaigner. Hussey promptly obliged.
Which bowler gave him nightmares?
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 27, 2020
Three batsmen he'd pay money to watch live - one in each format?
Who's the current Mr 🏏?
On his birthday, here's Michael Hussey answering #25Questions from our archive pic.twitter.com/A5g1AxqmNN
Australia had slipped to 130 for four in pursuit of a tricky 223-run target when Hussey arrived at the crease. He gradually assessed conditions and the opposition bowling attack, collecting a measured 45 not out from 64 deliveries. Hussey’s vigil included just one four. He sealed victory by striking Morkel for six over midwicket.
Hussey totaled 112 runs in three matches – a modest but significant tally – for the Player of the Series accolade.
“Kingsmead is always a tough place to play. I’m surprised to get the award, but I won’t knock it back,” said Hussey, who had struck a match-winning ODI half-century against the Proteas at Kingsmead in 2009 as well.
Captain Michael Clarke concluded: “There were a few nerves at the end but never fear, Michael Hussey’s here.”
Australia will arrive in South Africa for their white-ball tour in August, playing three T20 Internationals at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead before heading inland to Bloem, Potch and Gauteng for five One Day Internationals.
Tickets are available now for the three T20 Internationals from TicketPro. Check out all of the key dates and times for the series:
- First T20: Wednesday 30 August – 18:00
- Second T20: Friday 1 September – 18:00
- Third T20: Sunday 3 September – 14:00
