Michael Hussey to help South Africa at World Cup

Melbourne, Feb 5 (IANS) South Africa have secured the services of Australia's 2007 World Cup winner Michael Hussey as a consultant for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, which starts Feb 14.

Hussey will work with the Proteas during the six-week tournament as they aim to win a cricket's showpiece event for the first time. 

Hussey's manager confirmed Thursday to cricket.com.au that the 39-year-old will attend some training sessions and give advice on how to play in Australian conditions. 

"We've had some discussions with Mike Hussey about him joining us on a consultancy process," South Africa coach Russell Domingo said. 

"He's a middle order batter of immense experience and knows conditions very well in Australia. He'll play a very low-key role in the background." 

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Hussey is one of Australia's top ODI batsmen, boasting an average of 48.15 from 185 matches with three centuries and 39 fifties. 

He retired from international cricket more than two years ago, but has continued to play as a batsman in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and KFC T20 Big Bash League. 

His future in the game has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with reports last month suggesting he was a candidate to replace Duncan Fletcher as India coach. 

Hussey has denied any links to the India job, but his services would be in high demand given his impressive playing record and standing in the game. He was employed by Cricket Australia last year as a batting consultant to work with Australia A and the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars - the women's team.