Mike Hussey backs Rohit Sharma to excel as Test opener in Australian conditions

England and West Indies cricket fans are bracing themselves to witness the first Test series after the outbreak of Coronavirus. The opening game is all set to begin from July 8 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. However, Indian fans might have to wait until the first week of December as the Gabba will host the opening match of a highly anticipated India-Australia Test series.

Last time when India toured Australia In the 2018-19 season, the visitors registered a maiden Test series victory. During that series, the hosts missed the likes of explosive batsman David Warner and virtuoso batter Steve Smith. However, this time when India will face the Kangaroos in their own backyard, the scenarios will be quite different as both Warner and Smith will be in the Australian squad.

Speaking about the same, former international Michael Hussey is of the opinion that the intimidating Australian conditions are destined to assess any batsmen in the world, but he also believes that Indian batsman Rohit Sharma has the “ability and temperament” to reach excellence in upcoming India’s tour.

“It’s going to test any batsman in the world, but I think because he’s (Rohit) played a lot of One-Day cricket batting at the top of the order, and now he’s been having some success with the red ball game as well, that’ll give him confidence coming in,” Hussey said on ‘Sony Ten’s Pit Stop’ chat show.

Rohit was a part of the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar series, but had batted at No.6, scoring 37 and 1 in Adelaide and 63* and 5, in Melbourne. After which his fans and many cricket experts said that Indian management should try Rohit as an opener in red-ball cricket.

Then in the subsequent home series, the Mumbaikar debuted as a Test opener against South Africa, and it did magic for him. During the series, Rohit smashed three centuries including a double hundred. Although, ‘Hitman’ did miss two Tests in India’s recent tour of New Zealand due to a calf injury.

Hussey articulated that the key for Rohit would be adaptability to the Australian conditions.

“I have no doubt in my mind that he’s got the ability and the skill and the temperament, to be able to handle it. I think he would adapt. No, worries at all of his batting at the top of the order. It will be challenging in Australian conditions against the top quality bowling attack with pace and bounce,” said the former left-handed batsman.

After Gabba, both Australia and India will meet at Adelaide Oval for the Day-Night Test. Similarly, the third match will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It will be a Boxing-Day Test. Then, next year in January 2021, both nations will lock horns at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the fourth Test.

Here are the fixtures for Border-Gavaskar series: