The hard-hitting Bushrangers batsman teamed up with former Test fast bowler Merv Hughes at Cricket Victoria’s Diamonds in the Bush program at Major League Indoor Sports.

Some of the North East’s most promising junior cricketers – both male and female – are taking part in the three-day, high-performance program.

Hussey said he was impressed by the talent on show and was hopeful there might be another Andrew McDonald waiting in the wings.

McDonald was raised in Albury but went on to forge a successful career with Victoria, playing four Tests for Australia in 2009.

“He was NSW’s loss and Victoria’s gain,” Hussey said of his former Bushrangers teammate.

“He was a fantastic cricketer and a great find for Victorian cricket. He’s doing some fantastic things at Leicestershire so hopefully it’s not too far down the track that he’s back in Victoria coaching.

“It’s nice to see the talent from the country areas and I must say I’m very impressed by the talent I’ve seen here in Albury.

“Hopefully they develop into some nice Victorian and Melbourne Stars players as well.”

Hussey and Hughes were joined by Bushrangers batsman Marcus Harris, fast bowler Jackson Coleman and Victoria Spirit player Sarah Elliott on the Border for the Diamonds in the Bush program.

Hughes, who spent two years growing up in Myrtleford, said it was important for cricketers to fine-tune their skills during the winter months.

“The program isn’t about identifying young talent, they’ve already been identified,” the mustachioed former quick said.

“It’s just to give them an idea of how to hone their skills. If you get your skills right in pre-season and carry it through, it’s going to hold you in good stead.

“The cake has already been baked, it’s just about putting the icing on the cake and getting them in the right mindset.”

North East regional cricket manager Rhys Miller said with the rise of twenty20, cricket was becoming a year-round sport for boys and girls.

“The game’s changing so much now with the raft of opportunities available through the Big Bash League and twenty20 cricket around the world,” he said.

“These guys are living it and it’s a great opportunity for them to spend time with our kids.

“Girls cricket is really on the rise also, the Women’s Big Bash League last year was amazing in terms of exposure for female cricket.

“The opportunities for the girls in cricket are unprecedented.”