Ferguson predicts Hussey will hit top Ashes form

ADELAIDE - South Australian batting star Callum Ferguson, who is being tipped as the biggest threat to Mike Hussey’s spot in the national squad, has predicted that the latter will hit top form when it comes to the Ashes.

Ferguson said he is happy to bide his time for Hussey, one of his mentors.

“I’m desperately hoping I’m going to get a chance at some stage, but I also want my mates to do well. I still want Huss to make runs and I’m sure every Australian wants him to make runs,” Ferguson told the Herald ahead of South Australia’s three-day encounter against England.

He added: “Huss has been fantastic for me over the past few years. I’ve had the chance to play a fair bit with him in the Australian one-day team and he has been a fantastic mentor. I am expecting him to come out and make a truckload of runs this summer, and I wish him and the rest of the top six do make runs.

“I feel like I’m ready to go out there and do a job for Australia if required, but I also feel like the Australian top six is pretty settled. I don’t expect to be picked for the first Test of the Ashes and I’m also tipping our top six is going to have a pretty good series,” he said.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said the past achievements of Hussey - who has scored two centuries in his past 28 Tests - would play a part in their decision while fellow selector Greg Chappell said he preferred to give veterans “one chance too many than one chance too few”.

Ferguson will play England twice before the Ashes, tomorrow with South Australia in a three-day tour match, and then again with the Australia A side. (ANI)