Hussey seeks confidence boost in New Zealand

MELBOURNE, Feb 14 (Reuters) Australia's stand-in captain Mike Hussey is determined to get his team back on course for their World Cup defence in the Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand.

Hussey, deputising for the rested Ricky Ponting, flew out with the squad today for three one-day matches in New Zealand, just three days after their shock defeat by England in the tri-series finals.

''We uill be trying to change the momentum a little bit and get our confidence back a little bit, but I'm sure we'll put on an excellent showing over there,'' Hussey told reporters.

Hussey is excited by the chance to lead his country.

''It's a great honour and I'm really looking forward to the challenge,'' Hussey said.

''I just want us to focus on playing well in this Chappell-Hadlee series and we're looking to win the series.

''We don't want to focus on the World Cup and look too far ahead like that.'' Hussey said the matches against New Zealand would help the players continue their World Cup preparations without Ponting and vice-captain Adam Gilchrist, who is also resting before the World Cup in the West Indies.

''The team is excited, we've had a huge summer in Australia but we're looking forward to getting away and playing good cricket,'' he said.

Michael Clarke, Hussey's vice-captain for the series, has a hip injury and New South Wales batsman Phil Jaques travelled with the squad as cover.

The first match against New Zealand is in Wellington on Friday.

REUTERS SAM HS0951