If there’s been a single compulsory training session for England at the T20 World Cup, new batting consultant Mike Hussey struggles to remember it.
“I’d say 99 per cent of sessions have been optional,” he told foxsports.com.au ahead of Sunday’s final between England and Pakistan.
“You just have to let them know if you’re coming or not beforehand and what you want to get out of it.”
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Implementing optional training sessions is not unique, although England has taken that relaxed attitude to the next level in Australia — and it appears to be working.
From losing to Ireland in game two, to a 10-wicket win over India in the semi final, England clearly never hit the panic switch and has improved as the World Cup has progressed.
There was no urge to rush players into the nets to try and iron-out any technical flaws, or manifest some sort of ‘feel’ or rhythm.
Under new coach Matthew Mott, and his fellow Australian assistant Hussey, England’s players are simply given the tools they need to succeed.
How and when they use those tools is completely up to them.
Speaking of the team culture, Hussey added: “It’s certainly a very calm, consistent, level dressing room.
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“It’s not tense, it’s not emotional. It’s sort of — if we’re going well, it’s a little bump up. If we’re not, it’s a little bump down.
“It’s a pretty consistent and calm sort of environment. There’s a lot of trust in the group, they really do back each other to the hilt and have a lot of belief in the way they want to go about it.”
Mott brought Hussey on-board ahead of the tournament, with the former Australian star offering England’s batters his tutelage — but only when they want it.
A modest Hussey is eager to not take any credit for England’s march to the final at the MCG, saying that he hasn’t “done a hell of a lot”.
But the Australia great has been an important member of the England camp, with his wealth of experience and knowledge of Australian conditions important assets.
Asked about his involvement, Hussey said: “They’re all international players and they’re here for a reason; because they’re bloody good players as it is. I haven’t tried to change too much.
“I’ve just tried to help them identify what their best looks and feels like and hopefully keep them in a good frame of mind for when they go to play.
“I’m not trying to fill their heads with too much. I haven’t talked much technique, I’ve just thrown a lot of balls to them really, so I’m not one to be looking for any credit whatsoever for where they’ve got. I think the players deserve all the credit.”
‘NEVER BEEN QUESTIONED’
One player deserving of extra credit is opener Alex Hales.
Hales failed a recreational drugs test at the start of the 2019 summer and appeared to have thrown away his international career.
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However, a freak golf accident to Jonny Bairstow and Eoin Morgan’s retirement opened the door again to Hales, who has taken his opportunity with both hands.
In the semi final against India, he crushed 86 runs off 47 balls, having made 47 and 52 in his two matches prior.
As a BBL regular, Hales’ intimate knowledge of Australian grounds and conditions has proven a major advantage at this year’s World Cup.
But Hussey also notes how England’s relaxed culture has brought Hales’ talents to the fore.
“He’s got a really clear understanding of his game and how he wants to play, how he wants to prepare, how he wants to practice,” Hussey said. “I didn’t want to clutter his mind whatsoever.
“He’s been really embraced back in the team and he’s been encouraged to just be himself.
“Training sessions are optional and he likes to take the option sometimes. He likes to get away from the game, go play some golf, or something away from cricket, and it’s never even questioned.
“He was just really encouraged to be who he is. Once you start feeling like you’re trusted and you have the backing of the hierarchy then I feel like you can go out there and play your best cricket.”
