Hussey says ‘dread’ of India, Ashes tours reason behind retirement

Sydney: Australian batsman Michael Hussey has claimed the dread of upcoming away tours to India and the Ashes were major factors behind his decision to retire from international cricket.

Hussey, who announced his shock retirement from international cricket on Saturday, said he began thinking about quitting as far back as the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka last September. The third Test against Sri Lanka in Sydney, beginning on Thursday, will be Hussey’s last match, News.com.au reports. Hussey said he didn’t have the required excitement levels when he thought about the Indian series and the Ashes, and added that he was dreading these tours rather than really looking forward to it. The veteran said when he had a long thought about the upcoming series and he realized that his heart was not 100 per cent up for it. Retirement firmed in Hussey`s mind until he told captain Michael Clarke and coach Mickey Arthur during victory celebrations on Friday after the second Test against Sri Lanka in Melbourne, before making it public yesterday. Hussey said it was an easy decision to make in the end and he is very comfortable with time of his retirement. ANI