David Hussey eyeing Test spot for India tour

Melbourne, Sep 3 : After his successful stint in Indian Premier League (IPL), David Hussey wore the tag of a specialist in the format. The Australian wants to prove himself in Tests as he eyes a berth for the series against India next month.

"People say I am tailor-made for Twenty20 cricket or one-day cricket, but my ultimate goal is to play in the Australian Test team. I don't want to be pigeonholed," said Hussey.

"Nothing is going to stop me playing Test cricket, and it doesn't matter what anybody says," Hussey was quoted as saying in the Sydney Morning Herald.

With Andrew Symonds likely to miss the tour to India, selectors will keep a close eye on Hussey against Bangladesh in the two remaining one-dayers in Darwin this week. Hussey will be fighting for a Test spot alongside Cameron White and a few batsmen in the Australia A side already in India.

Hussey, who is younger brother of vice-captain Michael, has just played three ODIs but already boasts a strike rate of 134. The middle-order batsmen gave a dominating performance in Twenty20 domestic championship which got him a call-up from IPL.

Hussey said he is motivated by the perception he lacks the temperament for the longer form of the game.

"I have just dipped my toe in the water of international cricket, and hopefully I can take that next step. When people say I don't have the patience or discipline, that motivates me - there is nothing better than proving your doubters wrong," said Hussey who played for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL.

Hussey, who describes himself as "a very dull, private person", said late Victorian coach David Hookes and his successor Greg Shipperd had a great influence on his career.

"There were a few people around in Melbourne who were talking about my game and saying I wouldn't make it, and I actually felt the pressure. David Hookes said to me, 'You have got that much ability, just go out and play. If you see the ball hit it. If it's there for a cover drive, if it's there for a hook, hit it. It is a simple game, do not complicate it.' That just filled me with so much confidence."

"Greg (Shipperd) actually told me to rein in my game. He didn't want me to change my play but just rein it in," said Hussey.

--IANS