Would've liked to play but can understand big picture: Hussey

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Rested from Sunday's tri-series ODI against India, veteran Australian batsman Mike Hussey said he would have preferred to be in the squad but can understand that there is 'a bigger picture to look at'.

"I would much prefer to be playing in today's one-dayer against India rather than watching the game at home on the couch. Like all players I want to be out there in every game, but I also understand that there's a bigger picture to look at and you've got to think about the team point of view as well," Hussey wrote in a column for the 'The Daily Telegraph'.

"The selectors spoke to me after the game at the WACA on Friday night and basically said I could stay home and spend a few extra days with the family. It was a good opportunity to have a look at Pete Forrest in the middle order and I hope he can grasp his opportunity and play well," he added.

Hussey said it is important to take breaks as cricket schedules have become quite hectic.

"We've been trying to go with more of a squad mentality for a couple of years now and that's become a necessity with the volume of cricket played. It's almost impossible to remain at your best, both physically and mentally, while playing all three forms these days and the other benefit is getting to expose different players to international cricket."

Hussey would be back in the team for the game against Sri Lanka in Sydney on Friday.