Victorian cricketer David Hussey says he is both surprised and embarrassed by the staggering $675,000 purchase by Indian Premier League team Kolkata.
MELBOURNE: Victorian cricketer David Hussey says he is both surprised and embarrassed by the staggering $675,000 purchase by Indian Premier League team Kolkata, reports Australian media.
Hussey, who clubbed the second-fastest one-day century in Australian domestic circuit Wednesday - a 60-ball innings against New South Wales at the SCG - said he initially thought the price was a joke.
"It was indescribable," he was quoted as saying by The Herald Sun.
"I was told and then I sat and said 'Are you taking the mickey out of me?' They said it was genuine. It is just remarkable. It's very flattering," said Hussey, who surprisingly fetched more than his brother Michael at the IPL auction.
Kolkata rated Hussey worth $675,000, which was $275,000 more than what the franchise paid for Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.
But Hussey said the best part was a text message from older brother Mike, an established Test star for Australia, who will be paid $350,000 to be part of the IPL Chennai team.
"He actually sent me a text message this morning and said, 'I can't believe you're worth double what I am'," Hussey laughed.
While he marvelled at his own good fortune, Hussey lamented the fact his Victorian teammate Brad Hodge, who has more international experience, was overlooked.
"I just don't understand it. He's one of the best Twenty20 players in the world, no question. His record for Lancashire and for Victoria is second to none. It doesn't make any sense at all."
"I'm very surprised and I feel a bit embarrassed. I think he (Hodge) is a better Twenty20 player than myself and he's been overlooked. But I'm sure when the second round comes, when top-up players are required he'll get picked up."
Hussey learnt of his windfall before going out to bat against NSW on Wednesday and admitted he found it hard to concentrate.
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