Situation demanded defensive approach: Hussey

Renowned for their aggressive brand of cricket, Australia's defensive mindset in the Test series against India may have baffled most but middle order batsman Michael Hussey on Tuesday insisted that circumstances warranted a cautious approach and his team reacted accordingly.

Hussey, who has hit a century and two half centuries coming into this decider, did not agree with the views of some former players that the visitors have been ultra-defensive in their approach.

"I don't think so. It all depended upon the situation. In Bangalore, we tried to press for a win. In Mohali it was different as we were chasing a big score and in Delhi we were again chasing a big total," Hussey argued.

"I'm sure if the situation warrants, we will play attacking cricket here," he added.

The 33-year-old middle order batsman said the team has got used to playing against leggie Amit Mishra after floundering against his spin in Mohali.

In his debut Test, Mishra scalped seven wickets -- five of them in the first innings -- but Hussey believes his teammates now have a better idea about the young leggie ahead of the fourth and final Test commencing on November 6 at the newly built Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium here in Jamtha.

"It's always difficult when you face a bowler for the first time. But we have got used to him after playing against him at Mohali and Delhi," Hussey said.

Australia are down 0-1 in the series and desperately need a victory here to retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy, having won the previous rubber at home at the beginning of the year.

Hussey, however, said the team was not focussing on the outcome but on playing well so that the results follow.