da bet7： Australia’s players must take Shaun Tait under their wing to make sure he avoids any recurrence of the problems leading to his indefinite break from the game, according to Michael Hussey
Peter English in Brisbane04-Feb-2008
Senior players must take Shaun Tait under their wing, according to Michael Hussey © Getty Images
Australia’s players must take Shaun Tait under their wing to make sure heavoids any recurrence of the problems leading to his indefinite breakfrom the game, according to Michael Hussey. Tait stepped down from all formsof cricket last week and Hussey, who remembered the severe pressures thatled to his periods of self-doubt, said the modern demands on players hadcontributed to the decision.”It’s very tough, a lot tougher than what people think,” Hussey said. “WhatI’ve learned and experienced from international cricket, there’s so much inthe package. The actual playing of the game, which is hard enough in itself,is a very small part of the whole package of playing for Australia.”There are appearances, travel, media, sponsors, functions, appearances andtraining. There’s so much time away from family and friends and they allhave an impact. All the guys go through tough periods. One of strengths ofthe team is it looks out for each other and tries to pick the guys up.”However, the Australians did not spot the warning signs around Tait andHussey said it was important for the players to be there for the fast bowlerwhen he comes back. “We didn’t pick up too much [with Tait],” Hussey said.”He’s a genuine character, a great bloke to have around and he was his usualself.”Deep down he was obviously battling pretty hard and going through a toughtime. All the guys have been in touch and are hoping he can get throughthis. When he does come back a few guys will have to take him under theirwing.”Hussey’s lowest playing point came when he was dropped for Western Australiaand he thought his dream of representing his country “was a million milesaway”. Tait’s struggles are a combination of recovering from a couple ofserious injuries and being a fringe player around the national squad.”I’ve been through some very tough periods on and off the field,” Husseysaid. “It’s part of life, you work your way through. Good support networksget you through, it’s important to have good people around. I’m sure Shaunwill come out stronger and a better person when he comes out the end of it.”Tait’s absence for the CB series has forced a restructure of the bowlingline-up and the team did well to dismiss India for 194 at the Gabba onSunday, with Brett Lee taking five wickets. Hussey said there were areasAustralia needed to improve, including catching, after the wash-out.The home team was in a bit of trouble at 3 for 51 when the game was calledoff, although India’s bowlers were able to exploit a damp surface underlights. “We’re not quite where we’d like to be at the moment,” he said, “butwe’re not far away.”Matthew Hayden is expected to be fit for the match against Sri Lanka onFriday after missing the opening game with a thigh problem while StuartClark, who was absent for family reasons, will re-join the squad in Sydney.Ashley Noffke has made way for Clark’s inclusion following a solid 1 for 46on debut and the on-standby Adam Voges has returned to Perth.