Hussey fires as North fails and Mr Cricket pulls Test back on track

Australia v England, 1st Test, Brisbane, 2nd day

Australia 5 for 220 (Hussey 81*, Haddin 22*) trail England 260 by 40 runs

ONE week ago Michael Hussey was one of about 20 people in the country who believed he should be in the Test side. 

Yesterday he convinced the other 22 million with one of his most sparkling innings in years.

Hussey single-handedly pulled Australia back from the brink with an unbeaten 81 before day two was abandoned early due to bad light.

North's were made in the last Test in India and also in a Sheffield Shield match three weeks ago. Hussey waited until a week ago - and after making a duck - to manage the feat for the Warriors against Victoria.

Hussey, four years older and with far fewer milestones in the past year, was considered the most vulnerable. After yesterday, however, it is he and not his state captain North who is in the stronger position.