Embattled Australian Test batsman Mike Hussey's best case for an Ashes berth might be the lack of in-form alternatives after he was among a large number of incumbents and hopefuls to fail in matches around the country on Wednesday.

Hussey's duck for Western Australia in their Sheffield Shield match against Victoria in Melbourne continued his lean trot, putting himself under increasing pressure to retain his place in next week's Ashes opener against England at the Gabba.