Former Test batsman Darren Lehmann backs Ferguson to make Test step

The rising South Australian star struck a well-made century in the Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

With regular Test players Michael Hussey and Marcus North under increasing pressure to retain their middle-order spots, Ferguson's 129 couldn't have come at a better time.

And Lehmann, who played 27 Tests, said 25-year-old Ferguson is ready to play at the next level after recovering from a serious knee injury.

"He's come back really well. He's grown of age as a player over the last few years and I think he's one of those players that will step up to the plate," Lehmann told AAP on Monday.

While Ferguson was plundering the Warriors attack, it was a different story for 54-Test Hussey, who could manage only zero and three from his two innings at Adelaide Oval.

Lehmann believes selectors will stick with Hussey and North for the first Test against England at the Gabba starting on November 25.

But if things don't go well for Australia then Ferguson could find himself in a baggy green by summer's end.

"It depends on what make-up selectors want obviously but he's ready to go," he said.

"If they pick him he'll be ready to go and do a good job for us.

"You'd think they'd start with those but you never know."