Hussey the Key if England are to Prosper in Melbourne

It is hard to think now after 517 runs in three tests that Mike Hussey’s Ashes place was actually under threat.

But like many of the Australian team Mr Cricket was sweating about his place in the starting XI for the Brisbane opener. But a much needed century for Western Australia against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield persuaded the selectors to keep him in their plans and the best Ashes odds (http://betting.betfred.com/713/category/sport-betting-news/cricket-betting/) suggested he could have swung the tournament in the home side's favour.

Australian fans will be thankful he kept his place as he has been their most consistent batsmen and has been a constant thorn in England's side throughout the three tests so far. He has hit two hundreds and three fifties already, with his knock of 61 and 116 at the Waca in Perth proving to be the backbone of the Aussies innings and the foundation they built their convincing 267 success upon. Each time he rescued an innings that was wobbling - at 28-3 and 64-3.

In truth he has never looked like departing for a low score. He showed patience and sound judgment, never going for any loose shots but calmly biding his time and punishing the bad balls. England need to come up with a plan if they are to retain the Ashes as Hussey needs to be snared early if they are to stop the hosts from posting impressive scores and the Ashes betting tips suggest he's on to be the home side's top run scorer.

Steven Finn, despite being England's top wicket taker, was expensive in Perth and at times looked weary. Coach Andy Flower suggested the 21-year-old maybe rested, opening the door for Ajmal Shahzad.

The fiery 25-year-old Yorkshireman has had previous success with left-handers so could be the key to England's Hussey conundrum.

If not then expect Hussey to keep the scorers busy once more at the MCG