Michael Hussey has urged Australia to roll the dice and hand Callum Ferguson a Test debut if skipper Michael Clarke is ruled out, insisting the South Australian can emulate his own Test career and blossom well into his 30s.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hussey also backed Clarke to remain as captain despite his wretched injury run, but fellow Test legend Glenn McGrath described his issues as "not positive signs for the future".
Ferguson continued his fine summer by blasting 140 for the Redbacks in this week's Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at Adelaide. The right-hander last played for Australia in a one-dayer in 2011 and is 30, the same age Hussey was when handed his first baggy green cap.
Australia's top order has come under the microscope, and Hussey backed Shane Watson to fill the troublesome No.3 spot in the First Test against India at the Gabba next month.
Clarke is battling to be fit - he has continued hamstring injuries - and Hussey endorsed Ferguson as the best replacement should the captain miss as expected. Phil Hughes and Shaun Marsh are also pressing for recalls, but Hussey was impressed by Ferguson's temperament.
"Personally I feel someone like Callum Ferguson is ripe for the picking," he said. "He's leading the Sheffield Shield scoring and has been very consistent the last three years.
"Thirty is still young these days, he could play for another eight years and play over 80 Tests if he plays well."
After missing the 2-0 series loss to Pakistan through injury, Hussey backed Watson to move back up the order to No.3. Alex Doolan was dumped for the second Test, with big-hitter Glenn Maxwell used as a stopgap solution.
"I'm a big fan of Doolan though, I must admit, and I'd love for selectors to give him an extended run at it.
"I'd also hang onto [Chris] Rogers, he complements Dave Warner very well.
"If they're looking ahead to England and the Ashes, he's the guy who's played more cricket in England than anyone."
Australia has made the upcoming World Cup the priority for Clarke over the four-Test series against India.
Asked if Clarke should forgo one-dayers to focus on Test cricket, McGrath said: "Australians have always valued Tests higher than anything else.
"The World Cup is very important, there's no doubt about that, but I think with Michael Clarke it's about getting fully fit again.
"He's had problems with his back and his hamstrings, they're both connected, so they're not positive signs for the future."
McGrath and Hussey backed vice-captain Brad Haddin as the right man to captain Australia, if he overcomes a shoulder injury and Clarke misses the Brisbane Test.
"I still think Clarke is a chance, despite what everyone else is saying out there," Hussey said.
"If not Haddin's the vice-captain, he's got the experience and the know-how."
McGrath added: "If Brad Haddin's back fully fit, he'll slot straight back in there. If not, they've always earmarked Steve Smith as a future Australian captain.
"He captained NSW, I think he's done a great job. I like the way he goes about it, his attitude and if given the opportunity I think he'll do very well."
