Veteran batsman Mike Hussey says Friday’s opening World Twenty20 Super Eights clash with India looms as a mini-grand final for Australia.
The 37-year-old, whose batting heroics in the semi-final against Pakistan two years ago single-handedly guided Australia into the final against England in Barbados, says a win against India would go a long way to setting Australia up for another semi-final berth.
Australia have beaten Ireland and West Indies in the group stage of the World T20 in Sri Lanka and face a tough draw in the Super Eights against India, South Africa and Pakistan.
“The pressure and tension are only going to rise as we get closer to that India match because it’s a huge game,” No.3 batsman Hussey said on Wednesday.
“If we can win that first one in the Super Eights, it does give you that confidence and that little buffer that you know you just need one out of the last two to get through.
“It’s pretty much an early grand final really in the context of the tournament.”
The match will be a return bout for talkative Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and the Australians.
Harbhajan claimed 4-12 in India’s 90-run win over England on Sunday night in his first international appearance in more than a year.
It was the best bowling performance by an Indian in an T20 International game.