Ferguson, Khawaja selection is good news for Hussey

SYDNEY - The selection of Usman Khwaja and Callum Ferguson for the Australia A game against England starting in Hobart on November 17, suggests the Australian selectors will stick with incumbent middle order for the opening Test of the Ashes in Brisbane on November 25.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Mike Hussey looks safe with chief selector Andrew Hilditch saying that his previous deeds for Australia and his career average of 50 will be considered at the selection meeting later this week.

Western Australian captain Marcus North has also been under pressure with his five career Test centuries sprinkled among numerous low scores.

The Ashes squad will be named on Monday - before the Australia A game - and Hildtich conceded that selectors have had a firm preference for the Australian squad for some time.

Ferguson and Khawaja are the players applying the most pressure on Hussey and North, and their performances against England could make them next in line should Australia lose the First Test and either Hussey or North fail in Brisbane.

Phil Hughes is still the top contender for a top order position should Australian opener Simon Katich not prove his fitness before the opening Test.

The team is as follows: Australia A: Cameron White (capt, Vic), Tim Paine (v-capt, Tas), Mark Cameron (NSW), Callum Ferguson (SA), Peter George (SA), Phil Hughes (NSW), Usman Khawaja (NSW), Shaun Marsh* (WA), Steve O’Keefe (NSW), Steve Smith (NSW), Mitchell Starc (NSW). (ANI)