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Aussies aim to keep foot on throat

02/02/2012 04:50:47 AM

The Australians go into Friday's second Twenty20 International against India at the MCG with the goal of maintaining their momentum to secure a series-clinching victory.

In a buoyant mood the morning after Wednesday night's comprehensive 31-run win at ANZ Stadium in game one, Australian all-rounder David Hussey was confident of making it two-from-two.

"I think we played pretty good cricket last night, we got a few cobwebs out," said Hussey.

"It's a big advantage coming from the KFC Big Bash T20 domestic comp into the international arena."

"I think it's very important ... (to) continue the momentum going forward and play the perfect game tomorrow night."

Asked if he believes the Australians have the tourists' measure, Hussey said: "I thought the Indians fielded and bowled particularly well early."

"I just thought our bowling and fielding trumped theirs."

"We were lucky enough to get a few early wickets and took the game away from the Indians right from the start."

Hussey - who followed up his 42 from 30 deliveries at Homebush with a catch and tidy return of 2-4 from two overs - forecast several changes to the hosts' line-up for Melbourne with local favourites Aaron Finch and Clint McKay strong chances for inclusion.

Hussey said he expected the MCG wicket to be flatter and faster than the drop-in pitch at ANZ Stadium which was hosting an international match for the first time.

"Last night it was a great atmosphere, but coming here to the home of Australian cricket at the MCG with hopefully 90,000 people there, there's no better feeling and no better atmosphere throughout the world," he said.

"Hopefully Matt (Wade), Aaron Finch, Clint McKay and hopefully myself get a run and we can put on a good show before the best supporters in the world."

Hussey admitted to being in awe of David Warner's dazzling switch-hitting in Sydney and man-of-the-match Wade's 72 from just 43 balls-faced which provided the foundation for Australia's 4-171, a target the tourists (6-140) never genuinely threatened.

"One big attribute Matt Wade has is that he competes," said Hussey.

"When the game's on the line he's probably the person you really want in the trenches and last night he showed his wares."

"He's done it for Victoria for the last three or four years and last night was just him showing his class."

"He's a couple of big innings away from hopefully cementing a Test spot."

Having completed a four-nil Test series win over India the Australians are chasing a fourth-straight T20I victory against the same opponents.

The Aussies have an impressive record in T20Is at home, having won 12 of 14.

The forecast for Melbourne on Friday is for fine conditions with a top temperature in the high 20s.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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