Mike Hussey has made a point throughout his career of taking time to smell the roses.
And with the stage perfectly set for him to score a fitting farewell century in Sydney, you can imagine the emotions are starting to fight their way to the surface – even for Australia’s most professional player.
On day one of the third Test against Sri Lanka, even without the blade in hand, Mr Cricket was given a preview of the uplifting reception he can expect if he manages to score a century in his final Test.
Hussey’s always loved to soak up applause. Not out of arrogance, but because the humble batsman knew at some point the good times would end.
“It was a good crowd getting behind Huss in his last Test match,” said young teammate Jackson Bird.
“He’s a champion and it’s sad to see him play his last Test match.”
The 26,197 fans in attendance would have been hoping to see Australia bat and Hussey to come to the middle on Thursday – instead they saw Sri Lanka bat all day to be all out for 294 at stumps.
But their man still put himself in the thick of the action and the crowd roared their appreciation.
Hussey’s three catches and two overs of medium pace before lunch were cheered louder than any other event during the day while his only blemish was a dropped catch at second slip.
During a brief stint fielding on the boundary, Hussey was also given a standing ovation by those behind him.
Players came from the field on Thursday talking about what a good batting pitch the greenish SCG wicket has turned out to be.
Hussey, the second-highest run-scorer in Tests between Australia and Sri Lanka with 942 at 117.75, will be itching to get his chance.
He holds the record for most Test hundreds – five – between the two nations and he’s scored 700 Test runs with an average of 100.00 in his seven Tests at Sydney.
In last year’s New Year’s Test, Hussey scored 150 not out against India to go with Ricky Ponting’s ton and Michael Clarke’s spectacular 329 not out.
Greg Chappell scored 182 in his 1984 farewell in Sydney, and Hussey and the SCG crowd will be desperate for similar theatrics.