Nottinghamshire batsman David Hussey has re-affirmed his ambition to play Test Cricket for Australia after helping Victoria claim their 28th first class domestic title.
Hussey’s second innings 168 was central to his side’s success at the MCG and justified his decision to sit out of the start of the Indian Premier League.
“It was a massive decision to be honest,” said Hussey, who lost $230,000 in earnings from Kolkata Knight Riders by staying behind.
“I was weighing up everything, whether I'm still in the Australia set-up, whether I still thought I could play for Australia.
“A lot of people have been shocked by it actually. They worked out how much it was going to cost me and they're saying 'What are you doing? That's a house you could pay off. You've already won two shields, take off to India' but, probably to my detriment, I'm a very loyal person and I still want to play cricket for Australia in the Test arena."
''My ambition is still as strong as ever. I'm desperate to play Test cricket, I desperately want to have that baggy green cap. I want to be able to sit in a rocking chair at age 55 and know that I've got that cap and no one can take it away from me.''
Hussey scored 1413 runs for Victoria across three competitions this season including 970 in the Sheffield Shield. He will travel to India on Wednesday for the remainder of the IPL before competing for Australia in the ICC World Twenty20.
He should arrive at Trent Bridge in time for the LV= County Championship game against Kent at Tunbridge Wells which begins Friday 4 June.