Mike Hussey says he is relieved that his cricket Test career is over after a fairytale finish, steering Australia to a clean-sweep series victory over Sri Lanka in Sydney yesterday.
The 37-year-old left-hander was at the crease when the winning run was hit by batting partner Mitchell Johnson to clinch a five-wicket win over the Sri Lankans and script the perfect ending for his 79-Test career.
"What a place to finish. The Sydney Cricket Ground is one of my top three favourite grounds in the whole world," Hussey said.
"In a way, I'm relieved that it's over. The stress and pressure . I can relax away from it now. I won't have that sick feeling in my stomach before I go out to bat. I feel like the pressure is off."
The West Australian, who made his Test debut late, at 30, back in 2005, finished as the highest scorer, above Ricky Ponting, in Australia-Sri Lanka Tests with 994 runs at 110.44 in eight Tests.
Hussey was feted by the Sydney crowds throughout the final Test and unselfishly offered a reluctant Johnson the chance to hit the winning run.
Hussey said the realisation that he had played his last Test match had sunk in and he was looking forward to a "normal life" with his young family.
"It probably sunk in a while ago because I have known for quite a time when I wanted to finish. I've been prepared for it, I guess," he said.
"But I'm sure there's going to be aspects that I'm going to miss as well, like when I'm out there when the winning runs are hit in a Test match, helping Australia win a series, or being in the dressing room with the boys after the game, singing the team song.
"But all good things have to come to an end at some stage." - Sapa-AFP