Henriques waits for his time in the sun

Ever since he captained the Australia under-19 team at the 2006 World Cup, Moises Henriques appeared set to make a smooth transition to the national team. A fast-bowling all-rounder, Henriques though has not been able to match potential and results.

Just three Test matches, six ODIs and four T20Is for Australia and four different franchises in the Indian Premier League don’t do justice to his talent. While inconsistent performances are to blame for him being out of the radar, a major drawback in his career has been injuries.

“I haven’t been able to stay fit for longer than 3 or 4 months at a time,” the Portugal-born Australian told Deccan Herald here on Monday. “So that’s one of my big goals (this season), playing and staying fit. I’ve lost a bit of weight over the last 2 or 3 months. So hopefully as I become lighter, I don’t carry too much weight on the cricket field. I feel once I’m able to stay fit and stay on the park for long time, I should be able to realise my potential.”

Henriques felt a strong show for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL-9 will help him return to the Australian team. “Every game of cricket I play is an opportunity to improve and get better and hopefully nail down a spot (for Australia). Firstly though, I want to play good cricket for Hyderabad. If I’m playing good cricket for Hyderabad, then I should be able to become a good international cricketer in time as well. That’s obviously the grand plan but sometimes it may not go according to it. If you are playing good cricket the selection takes care of itself.

“I normally don’t like to put numbers down, I prefer to contribute to helping Sunrisers win games. If I can help the team win games and make the final, that will be everything I want to achieve this year. I know happy players make successful teams and I just want to enjoy my cricket.”

Despite playing for a fourth franchise in eight years, the 29-year-old said he never felt unsettled. “This is my third year at Hyderabad now. Some familiar faces and I’ve built up some good relationships. As a professional cricketer, I’ve played for the (Sydney) Sixers, New South Wales, Australia, Australia A, Surrey in England and now Hyderabad. So its 5 or 6 teams in a year. To do only four (IPL) franchises in eight years is actually better. I think as professional players you have to make those adjustments -- new coaches, new players etc. You have to accept that you may have a different role in one team as to another. It’s our job as international cricketers to adjust to the demands of each team.”
DH News Service