MPCA 2020-21: new Baxter coach Adeel Hussain has big plans for season
New Baxter coach Adeel Hussain says he has a point to prove in MPCA Provincial in 2020-21.
South East
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Adeel Hussain says he will use a controversial suspension incurred last season to drive him when he takes up a new role as coach of Baxter in 2020-21.
Hussain still can’t fathom the circumstances that saw him cop a two-game suspension while playing with Tootgarook last season.
He insists he did nothing wrong and felt the penalty was unjust and tarnished his good reputation.
So, rather than dwell on it, Hussain intends to power on and give it all he’s got at Baxter.
He still must serve one game of his suspension, meaning he will miss the opening game of Baxter’s ’20-21 campaign.
He says he will be “bursting’’ to get out there in Round 2.
“I’m going to make it a positive, wind myself up as much as I can,’’ Hussain said.
“I’m already wound up about the situation. Good luck trying to stop me…’’
Englishman Hussain has been playing in the MPCA since exploding onto the scene in 2005 when he helped Sorrento win the flag, taking five wickets and hitting 67 in the grand final that season.
He knows the local competition well, but the Baxter job will be his first coaching gig here.
“I’ve wanted to coach a club for a while,’’ he said.
“I do it in England, I’m the vice-captain and head coach of a club so I thought I want to get more into it because I want to start my own academy in the next five or six years.
“If I can get a bit more coaching under my belt, more experience, I’ll have a bit more of a clientele when I do start my academy.’’
Hussain says he’s excited to be coaching Baxter, a club he rates highly and says has “quality’’ players.
His plan is to play hard and enjoy the game.
“I’m looking forward to it, working with quality players, not just the first team obviously but the whole club,’’ he said.
“We’re going to have a new direction in how we play the game, just positive, do the basics properly and then make sure our youngsters are coming through the right way and then just develop players to help make the club stronger for a long time.’’
Hussain says all of Baxter’s list has been retained, including champion batsman Chris Brittain, while the club has also picked up Heatherhill premiership captain-coach Sam Mullavey, who will skipper Baxter, and the returning Joel Rule.
“The boys are pumped,’’ Hussain said.
“They’re excited again, they’ve got another boost. I’ve played against these boys for a long time. We respect each other as players and as people.
“They are very excited to have me on board and it’s a new challenge for the boys to step up.’’
At 38, Hussain says he’s loving the game as much as ever and feels like he’s got plenty left in the tank.
“I’m still bowling 135-140km/h,’’ he said.
“I’ve got better, fitter and stronger as I’ve got older. I mean, I’m going to play cricket until I’m 60, that’s what I tell myself.
“At the minute I am feeling like I’m 22.’’
Over the years Hussain has played cricket for 12 months of the year but due to coronavirus this is the first time he’s missed an English summer. It’s given him a chance to freshen up.
Hussain coaches Upchurch Cricket Club in Division 1 of the Kent league back home. It’s a good level of cricket and he has taken some prized scalps over the years, including Australian Test star Marnus Labuschagne five years ago.
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