A reward for passion

In 2013-14, the Pakistan born cricketer received the most ultimate prize, helping his team claim the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s West B2 premiership with a win over Newport-Digman.

Having left Pakistan to start a new life in Australia, the 27-year-old was determined to find a cricket club in his new home.

Hussain’s journey to Australia included a seven-month stint at a detention centre, where he would play cricket every day.

Arriving in Melbourne in 2012, Hussain’s case manager at the New Hope Foundation found him a home at Sunshine Heights.

After an injury interrupted first season, the pace bowler bounced back in his second season, scalping 13 wickets and notching 104 runs.

During the semi-final against Point Cook, Hussain produced a match-winning performance, piling on 32 runs, including two boundaries and two sixes as well as scalping 3-10 from seven overs.

Having gained access to a high level of facilities and coaching, Hussain’s ambition is to now play cricket at the state’s highest level.

With heroes including Wasim Akram and Ricky Ponting, he admits that his love for the game continues to grow.

“I just love playing cricket,” Hussain said.