David Hussey targets ODI spot

David Hussey, the Australia batsman, hopes to use the Twenty20 series against South Africa to challenge for a spot in the ODI team. Hussey was left out of Australia's ODI squad for the three matches that will follow the T20s, after a lean tour of Sri Lanka, but is determined to get his place back.

"I am really looking forward to pressing my case and showing the selectors that I can play at a higher level," Hussey told reporters in Cape Town. Hussey had a fairly barren time on the island, scoring just 8 runs in Australia's two T20s against Sri Lanka and 54 runs in the three ODIs in which he batted. His last ODI half-century was in February against England but he has averaged 38 with the bat since making his comeback at the start of the year, after being absent from the ODI squad for 16 months.

While his focus is on wresting back that spot, Hussey said he will also be mindful to enjoy his time in the T20s because "it gives me the opportunity to play international cricket." He said that although some people are of the opinion that the shortest format of the game should be reserved for domestic teams only, he feels the "right mix" of international T20s is being played.

Those who are still disappointed that Australia and South Africa will only play two Tests in this series may disagree with that, but Hussey believes even the shortened tour between the two old enemies will provide a gripping contest. "Every time Australia play South Africa, whether it's rugby or whether it's cricket, both teams get the best out of each other," he said. "Thursday will be no different. Both teams desperately want to win."

Australia and South Africa have both gone through regime change since they last met and Australia's is not yet complete, with no long-term replacement for Tim Nielsen being announced yet, but Hussey does not see that as a disruption. Troy Cooley is standing in as interim coach on the tour of South Africa. "With a new coaching staff, there are new ideas," Hussey said. "The advantage of the Australian team is that we adapt very quickly and the interim coach, Troy Cooley, has been around the squad for five years now. He is implementing his own thoughts and skills."

Australia are also using the two-match T20 series, to introduce some new faces, like young fast bowlers Patrick Cummins and James Pattinson, and, although forced into the side because of an injury to Tim Paine, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade. Hussey believes the rookies will provide them with a trump card. "The advantage of having some young players is that the South Africans don't really know too much about them. Hopefully they can hit the ground running."