Graham Fords backs ‘outstanding’ Hussey to play on till 40s by beating ‘Father Time’

Sydney: Australian batsman Michael Hussey has been lauded as ‘world cricket`s superman’ capable of playing into his 40s by Sri Lankan coach Graham Ford, after his latest batting masterclass broke the Lankan spirit in the first Test at Blundstone Arena.

In a week where fellow 37-year-old Ricky Ponting is coming to terms with retirement, Hussey continues to plunder, with the evergreen left-hander stroking an unbeaten 115 to thumb his nose at the ravages of Father Time. And after watching Hussey clinically take the tourists`` attack apart, Ford believes that with such a great form, the Australian definitely has a few years ahead of him to be in the sport. "It`s not beyond him ... he is playing the best cricket of his life. Just looking at how fit and quick he is between the wickets, that`s really impressive at his age. Certainly at this stage he looks like he has a few good years ahead of him,” News.com.au quoted Ford, as saying. “The physical condition is the amazing thing for me. You would never believe he is that age the way he is with those quick singles. He is out of the blocks so quickly, he puts in a dive if it`s a bit tight. He is amazing, it`s a super effort. It`s good for the game to have him around,” he added. According to the report, it was Hussey`s 19th Test ton, seeing him equal former Test skipper Mark Taylor, and his fifth against Sri Lanka, against whom he has plundered 877 runs in nine innings at the Bradmanesque average of 125.28. Asked to explain Hussey`s remarkable record against Sri Lanka, Ford quipped: "Because he`s a bloody good player. We don`t have that much firepower when it comes to seam bowling, we don`t blow sides away.” "Over the years he`s been able to neutralise our main strength and we haven`t been able to get into him with seam bowling so that`s possibly a reason why he has done well. He is an outstanding player and has a good record ... fullstop,” he added. ANI