Australia rely heavily on India tours, will ensure series goes ahead: Michael Hussey

Australia's former middle-order batsman Michael Hussey has said that Cricket Australia (CA) will be putting a lot of time, energy and effort to make sure that India's series Down Under goes on without any hassle.

Michael Hussey, who is also famous by the name of 'Mr Cricket' because of his never-ending appetite and love for the game, said that CA furloughed its staff and reduced few of the expenses in a bid to prepare themselves for the worst of scenarios.

Notably, a decision on the future of T20 World Cup is yet to be taken and reports have suggested that hosting a 16-team event during these extraordinary times would be an upheaval task. A decision on the postponement of 2020 T20 World Cup was expected last week but instead news of ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar stepping down from his post came in.

Cricket Australia is expected to make 70-80 million dollars from T20 World Cup while its earning from India series is expected to be somewhere around 300 million dollars. Hussey agreed to the fact that India series is a "big one" for CA.

"Cricket Australia has been preparing themselves for the worst scenario and that is why they have been furloughing staff and look to cut back at a lot of programs because in case the T20 World Cup and India series is not possible...this is what Cricket Australia base their whole 4-year financial cycle on is an Indian series because that is where they make all their money. So they will be putting a lot of effort and time and energy and talking to the government to make sure that the Indian series goes ahead. That's the big one for them," Michael Hussey told Chetan Narula on his YouTube channel.

Apart from the financial aspect of the game, Michael Hussey also talked about the actions which are in store for the fans during the Australian summers. Chennai Super Kings batting coach Hussey told that he was "salivating" already at the prospect of India series. Michael Hussey praised India for their performances in 2018-19 series called them "sensational" but at the same time admitted that it was a different ball game all together this time.

45-year-old Hussey, who played 79 Test matches for Australia, stated that with Steve Smith and David Warner back in the team, Indian bowlers will have to put in the extra yard and work harder. The Perth-born former cricketer said the absence of Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft due to the ball-tampering scandal gave players like Marnus Labuschagne opportunity and thus the depth of the Australia line-up also improved.

Finally, Michael Hussey also boosted about Australia's dreaded bowling attack which includes the likes of Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

"I am salivating already on the prospect of this series. India were sensational last time they came to the Australian shores. It was great to see them win as the win made them believe they can win in Australian conditions. However, it will be a different series this time.

"Throwing David Warner and Steve Smith into the squad make that team much stronger. Indian bowlers will have to work hard, no questions. But the ban on Steve Smith, David Warner and cameron Bancroft exposed few players to Test cricket. That gave Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head chance in Test cricket and even Matthew Wade got a chance to make a comeback.

"It gave them that confidence that they are good enough to play on that level. It's not easy to play in Test cricket and dominate. It build the depth of the Australian team as well. I think Australian team in this series will be far stronger. Steve Smith, David Warner, world class bowlers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, then other guys having more experience this time will help," Michael Hussey said.