The Hussey brothers endured mixed fortunes on Monday as Mike top-scored with 71 in Australia’s World Twenty20 warm-up loss to England, while David was left out of the side with his selection hopes now in doubt.
After being invited to bat in steamy conditions, Alex Hales (52) and Luke Wright (35) shared a second-wicket partnership of 88 in England’s 6-172.
Spinner Brad Hogg and paceman Mitchell Starc claimed two wickets each but the bowlers struggled for accuracy and conceded 14 wides.
Australia replied with 6-163 at Colombo’s Nondescripts Cricket Club ground.
David Warner made a third-ball duck but fellow opener Shane Watson (37 off 26 balls) gave Australia an excellent start by hitting three sixes in a brisk 74-run stand with Hussey.
Australia’s middle-order woes continued with George Bailey and Cameron White out for single figures.
Allrounder Watson, who took 1-38 from his four overs, praised Mike Hussey’s innings but said Australia’s pacemen need to work on their swing-bowling skills.
“In a big tournament like this, we can’t really afford to do that,” Watson said of the wides tally.
“It is going to be a big thing to make sure we control the new ball.”
Watson said Pat Cummins, who was rested for Monday’s game, would be a big weapon for Australia in Wednesday’s Group B opener against Ireland.
Steven Finn bowled well for England, taking 2-26 including a maiden while spinner Graeme Swann (1-21) was also excellent.
David Hussey’s omission seems a victory for Dan Christian who’s set to play against Ireland alongside fellow allrounder Glenn Maxwell.