Video: Michael Hussey plays a blitzkrieg 80 runs innings in 1st BBL 2015 match

Mr. Cricket Michael Hussey still got it. At the commentary box when 40-year-old Ricky Ponting fumbling for a metaphor to describe the blitzkrieg knock of his former baggy green teammate it was a fascinating moment for ardent cricket fans. The 40-year-old left-handed batsman played a captain’s knock to register  36 run victory for Sydney Thunder  against city nemesis Sydney Sixers at Spotless Stadium, Sydney in the opening game of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2015-16.

Hussey coming at No. 3 completed his half-century off 46 balls. But, his final 30 runs came off 13 deliveries. He played four boundaries and smashed four sixes. In the last ball of the innings, he hit a six over the mid-wicket boundary finish the inning with a style.

Hussey’s innings is a reminder of his knocks for Australia. He was the heart of Australian middle order for a while. This technically equipped batsman has the ability to manipulate the game.

At the Spotless Stadium, his first quarter was a matured innings which prevented Thunder from losing wickets quickly. As Hussey got good help from Ben Rohrer, who scored 30 he blasted in the last two overs. 

Earlier in the evening, Thunder captain Hussey winning the toss opted to bat first. Jacques Kallis and Aiden Blizzard opened the innings for Thunder.  Blizzard was the first wicket to fall. Kallis scored 15 before Sean Abbott sent him back.

But, Hussey’s 80 run knock changed the course of the match as Thunder to put 158 runs on the board. Sixers, runners-up of the last edition started their chase with a positive note as Brad Haddin hit six. But as the former Australian World Cup winning  cricketer was bowled by Andre Russell Sixers failed to gain their momentum in the match. Thunder bowler Shane Watson and Russell grabbed three wickets each. Their effort was complimented by Clint McKay and Jacques Kallis. Mckay took two while Kallis took one.

Doug Bollinger thrilled the evening crowd at the Spotless Stadium crowd with a big six over the long on boundary.

Thunder’s chase ended in the fifth ball of the last over when Bollinger was caught by Kallis off McKay. 

Watch the video of Michael Hussey’s innings