2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Mike Hussey Predicts Australia-England To Wrestle In Final

Nov 2, 2023 at 3:52 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Mike Hussey Predicts Australia-England To Wrestle In Final

Veteran batsman Mike Hussey on Friday has revealed that Ashes rivals Australia and England are hot favourites, who according to him will be facing off each other in the much-awaited final of 2017 ICC Champions Trophy at Kennington Oval in London on June 18.

“Australia, and as much as I hate to say it, England,” Hussey told in an interview with cricket.com.au when he was asked to choose his favourites for the grand finale.

Former Australian batsman and the part of two-time ICC Champions Trophy winning team in 2006 and 2009, respectively, Hussey is of the opinion that both teams are the topmost contenders while having the quality players at the helm, who have enough experience on their back of playing on seaming tracks during the multilateral event in the recent past.

Hussey further went on to reveal that England coach Trevor Bayliss is expected to play a massive role alongside limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan, in a bid to keep the hosts calm and composed, in the upcoming 2017 ICC Champions Trophy which will kick off at The Oval.

“Pressure is something they’ll have to deal with but I think they’ll be well-led. Eoin Morgan and Trevor Bayliss will keep their minds where they need to be. They’ll keep them relaxed, really calm, and that’s where they’ll come in and play a really important part,” Hussey said.

The two giants in cricket; Australia and England will take on each other in the Group A fixture on June 10, at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

The 41-year-old Western Australia-born Hussey stated his national team has a solid unit to rely on while adding they’re also the players lined-up, who are capable of changing the complexion of the game by terming them X-factors of the tournament.

“As for Australia, they’ve got a nicely balanced squad.  You’ve got the guns being David Warner and Steve Smith but somebody like a Chris Lynn could be an X-factor if he gets going,” Hussey asserted.

The left-handed batsman Hussey expressed his satisfaction by stating the Steven Smith-led side is blessed with some serious talent which is further comprised of fast bowlers in the form of Mitchell Starc, John Hastings, Patt Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who are capable of defending the target.

“There are some exciting X-factor players there and some serious pace bowlers,” Hussey maintained.

England has been the runners-up in 2004 and 2013 editions, respectively, as Hussey believes the three Lions have a home advantage to give their best in the mega event.

“They [England] know their home conditions so well and they’ll have that home ground support,” Hussey added.

Moreover, New Zealand and Bangladesh are also in the Group A line-up and on the other side defending champions India followed by South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are placed in Group B.

“It’s so hard in these tournaments because they are all so good. England are a good chance to win it all. They’ve got a good all-round team. They’ll be well led and well coached,” Hussey further added.

Known as ‘Mr. Cricket’ Hussey made his international debut in 2004 against India at WACA. He scored 5,442 runs at an average of 48.15 in 185 ODIs. Interestingly, he has two ODI wickets to his name.

Related Article
Mohammad Amir Thanks Shahid Afridi For Standing By Him
Mohammad Amir Thanks Shahid Afridi For Standing By Him

Dec 21, 2020, 12:52 PM


Virat Kohli’s Performance Speaks For Itself: Mohammad Amir
Virat Kohli’s Performance Speaks For Itself: Mohammad Amir

Dec 11, 2020, 3:51 PM


Virat Kohli Won’t Give You a Second Chance – Mohammad Amir
Virat Kohli Won’t Give You a Second Chance – Mohammad Amir

Nov 21, 2017, 4:02 PM


Mohammad Amir Relishes Virat Kohli’s Prized Scalp in ICC Champions Trophy Final
Mohammad Amir Relishes Virat Kohli’s Prized Scalp in ICC Champions Trophy Final

Oct 6, 2017, 7:55 PM


PCB Receives Champions Trophy Prize Money
PCB Receives Champions Trophy Prize Money

Jul 24, 2017, 4:04 PM


Inzamam-ul-Haq Paid Extra Prize Money, Questions Raised Over The Matter
Inzamam-ul-Haq Paid Extra Prize Money, Questions Raised Over The Matter

Jul 6, 2017, 11:29 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner