Retiring batsman recalls title wins

Former overseas star batsman David Hussey has reflected on his time at Nottinghamshire after ending his playing career.
David Hussey  at the crease for Notts.David Hussey  at the crease for Notts.
David Hussey at the crease for Notts.

The Australian, who recently announced the Big Bash League in his home country would be his last competitive cricket, said there had been many highlights playing at Trent Bridge.

Hussey last played for the county in 2013 after winning won two County Championships, the last in 2010, the Division Two title and the YB40 Cup.

“The highlight for me was winning the County Championship,” he said.

“I didn’t know what it meant to win a trophy at the club, but seeing the joy on Mick (Newell’s) and Paul Johnson’s face was breath-taking,” he said.

“That’s when it hits home that you’re not playing cricket for yourself but for the whole county.

“You win for the whole county and the supporters — that was the highlight for me.”

Hussey scored 6,312 first-class runs for Nottinghamshire in 81 games at an average of 61.28, including 23 centuries and a highest score of 275, after signing in 2004.

“It’s the people and the ground I fell in love with,” he said.

“I stay in close contact with some of the guys and I’m always looking at the scores, hoping Notts are doing well.

“Hopefully this year is going to be a successful one and we will compete for big trophies again.”

Hussey quickly made a name for himself among the supporters, scoring 1,208 runs in his first full season.

That personal haul, which came at an average of 63.57, proved to be crucial as his new county lifted the second division title.

Aside from his spell at Trent Bridge, Hussey also held a long-standing affiliation with Australian state side Victoria, where he is now working as part of the coaching set-up.

He represented both clubs with such distinction that, aside from T20 franchises, he never represented any other domestic outfit.

“That’s something I am really proud about,” Hussey said. “Just playing for Victoria on one hand and Notts the other.

“I’m really happy to have been that loyal person who played for just two sides.”

“I would never have dreamed it would have lasted that long at Notts when I arrived. Mick didn’t even really know what he had signed, but it blossomed and I made friends for life.”

Working as a batting coach for Victoria, Hussey has plenty to occupy him in retirement.

“I’m really enjoying it at the minute,” he said.

“It’s nice to see the young kids with their aspirations and I’m going to try and fast-track them to achieve their dreams of playing cricket at the highest level.

“I’m nervous, yet excited about the future and what’s to come.”