Hussey ready for backlash

Mike Hussey has enjoyed great success against the England attack © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Mike Hussey expects a fired-up England to deliver a battling performance in the final Ashes Test of the series.

The former Northamptonshire and Durham batsman is better qualified than most to predict just how much England’s beaten Ashes squad are hurting as they prepare for the fifth Test in Sydney, which starts on January 2.

The 31-year-old left-hander knows most of the tourists through playing county cricket; he was Monty Panesar’s captain at Northants and played alongside Paul Collingwood and Steve Harmison at Durham in the last two summers.

It is that insight into the personalities of various members of the England squad - and their reaction to plenty of scorn in the Australian media - that has prompted Hussey to predict a strong performance from the tourists at the SCG as they attempt to avoid an Ashes whitewash.

“Every Test match has been a challenge,” claimed Hussey, the top run-scorer in the series with 421 runs at a phenomenal average of 105.25.

“I know we won the last Test in Melbourne very convincingly but there were certainly times when we were challenged.

“We were 84 for five at one stage so there have definitely been times when we’ve been challenged, and that’s been the case throughout the series.

“Brisbane was a very tough Test match, as were Adelaide and Perth, so I’m expecting a tough Test match.

“England are going to be desperate. They’re not going to want to lose the series 5-0 and it’s their last chance in Sydney.

Monty Panesar removes Mike Hussey at Perth, his only success © Getty Images

Buy this photo

“I’m sure they’re going to put in a huge effort and we’ve got to be ready for that.”

Hussey has enjoyed an impressive record in his battles with his former county team-mates during the series, avoiding the endless banter which would accompany his dismissal by any of them.

He was dismissed by Panesar in Perth but, by the time the left-arm spinner struck, Hussey had collected his first century of the series.

“It’s very intense competition against them, probably more intense than the players I don’t know well,” Hussey admitted.

“Steve Harmison is always snarling and growling at me when I’m facing him and he’s bowling fast and Monty and Paul Collingwood are such great competitors as well.

“There is no quarter asked and certainly none given when we’re out in the middle, but afterwards we’re always very cordial and it’s good to catch up.

“I obviously don’t want to get out to Monty or Steve and I know they’re pretty desperate to get me out as well.”

Australia will re-assemble together in Sydney on Sunday for training as they bid to become the first side since Warwick Armstrong’s 1920-21 line-up to beat England 5-0.