CSK coach shockingly claims he could have scored more runs and centuries than Sachin Tendulkar
Former Australia and Chennai Super Kings batter Michael Hussey made a bold remark about Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar during the three-match series between the two teams. Hussey jokingly said that if he had started his international career earlier, he might have surpassed Sachin’s runs tally of 5,000 runs.
Hussey had to wait until the age of 28 to make his international debut. The left-hander scored numerous runs in domestic cricket to earn his place for Australia and became one of the team’s most consistent players.
The middle-order batter played a key role in Australia’s 2007 ODI World Cup victory and two Champions Trophy triumphs in 2006 and 2009. During his career, Hussey amassed 12,398 runs in 302 matches across all formats, averaging an impressive 49, including 22 centuries.
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There will probably be around 5,000 runs after Sachin Tendulkar – Michael Hussey
Speaking on YouTube channel The Grade Cricketer, Michael Hussey said he could have surpassed Sachin Tendulkar and led centuries, Ashes victories and World Cup victories. However, he admitted that it was just a dream, pointing out that the delayed opportunity gave him the opportunity to fully develop his game.
“I thought about it a lot. I probably would have passed Sachin Tendulkar, the highest scorer in the game, at around 5,000 runs. Most centuries, most wins, most Ashes wins and most World Cup wins, probably all those things,” Hussey said.
“And then unfortunately I wake up in the morning and it’s just a dream. I wish I had an opportunity earlier, but the good thing for me is that when I was selected I had a great understanding of my game,” he added.
Michael Hussey’s late departure limited his records but cemented his legacy
Michael Hussey enjoyed a remarkable first-class career, scoring almost 23,000 runs at an average of over 52, including 61 centuries in 273 matches. Strong Australian training in the late 1990s and early 2000s delayed his international debut until he was 28.
Sachin Tendulkar dominated Tests and ODIs, scoring 15,921 and 18,426 runs respectively. Hussey has managed 6,235 Tests and 5,442 in ODIs, with 22 international centuries compared to Tendulkar’s 100.
Hussey surpassed Sachin Tendulkar in T20Is, scoring 721 runs, while Tendulkar made just 10 in his only appearance. His late start may have limited his statistical legacy, but his consistency and impact remain undeniable.
Australia claim seven-wicket victory in first ODI in Perth
Australia recorded a seven-wicket victory over Team India in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, October 19. The team led by Mitchell Marsh took an early 1-0 lead.
Australia elected to bowl after winning the toss. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood dismantled India’s top order with the new ball attack. Rohit Sharma (8), Virat Kohli (0) and Shubman Gill (10) fell to less than 8.1 overs, leaving India struggling at 25/3.
Rain interruptions reduced the match to 26 overs per side, and KL Rahul (38) and Axar Patel (31) helped India post a score of 136/9. Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Owen and Matthew Kuhnemann took two wickets each for Australia.
In response, Marsh led from the front with an unbeaten 46 from 52 balls, while Josh Philippe (37) and Matt Renshaw (21*) added key runs. They completed the victory in the 21st round. The second ODI will take place at Adelaide Oval on October 23.
Also read: Steve Smith discloses Marnus Labuschagne’s private message on Ashes selection
