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PHOTOS: K. PICHUMANI & V. GANESAN

MATCH-WINNER Chennai Super Kings’ player Michael Hussey

Michael Hussey comprehends wind, sea and sunshine. After all, he grew up in sunny Perth that has stretches of white sand and in Freemantle Doctor, a breeze that has influenced cricket matches.

The sensitive Hussey is also someone who looks beyond cricket. While he marvelled at the Chennai beaches, he was reminded of Tsunami and its aftermath.

“I was told a lot of people suffered. People died and homes were destroyed. How are the survivors doing now? It was a tragedy. I saw the images on television,” Hussey told The Hindu.

Hussey was a key member of the Chennai Super Kings eleven in its first four matches of the Indian Premier League before he departed for Australia’s campaign in the West Indies.

Although he was thousands of miles away from the scenes of destruction, the Tsunami had clearly had its impact on the genial Aussie. “I was passing by the beach (Marina) close to Chepauk and asked the person accompanying me whether these beaches had been affected by the Tsunami and he said ‘Yes.’ It must have been terrible,” said Hussey.

He was also conscious of the havoc caused by Tsunami in Sri Lanka. “It was sad, so many people losing their lives. The charming cricket stadium at Galle was destroyed. It has been rebuilt. People rise from disasters. The people of India and Sri Lanka have shown tremendous spirit and resolve,” he said.

Hussey was aware that champion leg-spinner Anil Kumble had a narrow escape from those killer waves. “I was told he along with his family checked out from a resort along the coast here only minutes before the Tsunami hit that beach. I was relieved,” said Hussey.

Given the practice sessions, the matches and the travelling, Hussey could not quite squeeze out time to explore Chennai but what he saw stayed on his mind. “I must say Chennai has some of the friendliest people I have come across. They go out of their way to help you,” he confessed.

Hussey called himself a ‘structured person’ and was amazed at how India, despite its astonishing contrasts, pulled along as one. “The people seem happy and content,” he said.

The match-winning left-hander is also appreciative of the Chennai cricket crowd. “The crowd here is extremely colourful and appreciate good cricket from both sides. The spectators here are knowledgeable and the atmosphere at the ground has been great.”

I must say Chennai has some of the friendliest people I have come across. They go out of their way to help you

Hussey’s affable personality has won him friends. To the younger members of the Super Kings, he has been a role model. Said Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy team skipper Subramanium Badrinath, “He is a really nice person. Despite his achievements, he has no airs about him. He is concerned at how a fellow cricketer is developing. He is a thorough professional but does that extra bit to help you. He spoke to me about the technical and the mental aspect of the game. Even now, he is in touch with me. Sends me messages, is keen to know how the team is faring.”

Hussey likes Chennai and the city loves him.

S. DINAKAR

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