Hussey upbeat over Aussie World Cup hopes

Mike Hussey rates Australia a great chance of winning the World Cup on home soil next year.

World No.1 Australia on Wednesday headed to Zimbabwe where they will play a one-day tri-series that also includes South Africa.

Before the World Cup begins in just under six months, Australia will play one-day games at home against South Africa, England and India and a series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Left-handed batsman Hussey, who averaged 48 over 185 ODIs and played in the last two World Cups – including the winning team in 2007 – was bullish about the prospects of the current side.

“I reckon we’ve got a great chance I really do,” Hussey said.

“We’ve got some of the most explosive batsmen in the world with guys like (Aaron) Finch and (David) Warner and (Shane) Watson and (Glenn) Maxwell.

“We’ve got great middle-order players and finishers with (Michael) Clarke, (George) Bailey, Steve Smith, (James) Faulkner and then the bowling looks really sound as well.

“I guess one area that we can maybe really need to focus on is the death (end of innings) bowling.

“Making sure we get that right and executing the skills there. But I think we’ve got a fantastic squad and a great chance to go really close in the World Cup.”

Hussey nominated left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc as someone capable of stepping up and performing the death bowing duties.

He was excited about the talent of former Western Australia teammate and emerging all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who has played just four ODIS and performed well for Australia A in recent weeks.

“He can be very good and he is already very good,” Hussey said.

“I think there was a bit of talk last year whether he should continue bowling because of the injury problems that he’s had and I’m really glad that he’s decided to keep working on his bowling.

“I think to be able to have a genuine all-rounder that can bat in that top six and be such a force with the ball as well, is really important for the balance of the team.”

He was optimistic recalled batsman Phil Hughes, who recently scored heavily for Australia A, could capitalise on his latest opportunity in Zimbabwe.

“He has already proven that he’s good enough, he just needs that opportunity and that good run in there and I’m sure he will do well,” Hussey said.

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