Michael Hussey's spot in the Australian Test team is now hanging by a thread after he made a duck for Western Australia at the MCG this morning.

With half-a-dozen middle-order batsman queueing up to take his place, Hussey needed to put in a strong performance against Victoria to assure himself of a start in the opening Test against England next Thursday.

But the left-hander hung around for 18 balls before waving at an Andrew McDonald delivery, getting an edge and being caught at slip. In a bitter twist, it was his brother David who snaffled the catch.

Hussey, 35, has been the target of persistent speculation since his form began to taper away three years ago. He has  gone 28 Tests without scoring a century in the first innings, an astonishing figure considering how he blazed on to the international arena with a run of form that saw his average rocket at one stage to 86.

In the past 12 months, Hussey's career average has fallen below 50 for the first time since his debut in 2005.

Some media outlets reported this morning that Hussey would be axed from the national team if he failed to make a decent score in the Sheffield Shield match.

Former Australian opener and cricket commentator Michael Slater said in an interview with the Herald Sun that Hussey would have to make runs against the Vics or he risked being dropped.

"Mike Hussey is a wonderful bloke and great to have around the team and you wish everyone had his attitude -- that's why they call him Mr Cricket," Slater said.

"But the fact is in his last three series he's averaged mid to high-30s and that's simply not good enough.

"It's one thing to be a nice person, but it's about winning, about getting your best XI on the paddock.''

But in what may prove to be a lifeline for Hussey, Usman Khawaja, the man touted as Hussey's replacement also failed to make runs for Australia A against England this morning.

The New South Welshman was caught behind for 13, off the bowling of Ajmal Shahzad, in a match that could have been the perfect opportunity to press his claims to the Australian selectors for a Test debut.

It proved a lacklustre day for the batsmen named in the 17-man Australian squad for the first Test.

Shane Watson was out for six, opening the batting for New South Wales against Tasmania, caught by Jones off the bowling of Butterworth.

His Test and Shield opener partner, Simon Katich, was also dismissed by Butterworth - caught by George Bailey for one.

And South Australian hopeful Callum Ferguson fell cheaply after being ruled out, caught behind. Ferguson made seven before being given out even though the ball appeared to have come off his hip.

Slater told the Herald Sun that if Khawaja played well than it would make it increasingly difficult for Hussey to keep his spot.

"I don't think Khawaja can do anything if Hussey gets 100 (for Western Australia), but if Hussey gets anything less and Khawaja gets 100, then he should get the nod.

"The only thing about the middle order is it needs a another right-hander, particularly the way (England spinner) Graeme Swann likes bowling to lefties.

"It's not bad to get some balance, but I wouldn't go for a right-hander for the sake of it."

There is currently four first class matches underway:

AUSTRALIA V ENGLAND at Bellerive Oval, Hobart.

Usman Khawaja - OUT - c Prior b Shahzad 13 (32b 2x4 0x6)

With a Test spot well and truly on the line the New South Welshman crumbled under pressure after starting strongly with a second ball four. Will be disappointed that he didn't take full advantage of his opportunity before being caught behind from a full length Prior delivery.

Callum Ferguson - OUT - c Prior b Bresnan 7 (8b 1x4 0x6).

The right hander will be bitterly disappointed after being given out caught behind the ball appeared to have come off the hip of the South Australian and not the edge of the bat. Made a strong start with shots that reaped 3 and four runs respectively.

Steve Smith - YET TO BOWL - OUT b Shahzad 59 (121b 5x4 1x6)

Has made a strong impression with the bat as the only Australian in the Test squad to make runs today. Showed some blistering shots on his way to his 59. Did his Test selection chances no harm.

NEW SOUTH WALES V TASMANIA at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney.

Shane Watson - OUT - c Jones b Butterworth 6 (16b 1x4 0x6), bowling figures of 1-15 off 5 overs.

Opened the batting for New South Wales and fell cheaply for six. The all-rounder was caught by Jones off the bowling of Butterworth. Test spot is assured.

Simon Katich - OUT - c Bailey b Butterworth 1 (23b 0x4 0x6)

The Australian opener was dismissed without giving any resistance with the New South Wales skipper making only one run before being caught by Bailey off another Butterworth delivery. Test Spot is assured.

Xavier Doherty - 0 wickets

There were limited opportunities for the spinner as the Tasmanian pace attack destroyed the New South Wales batting line up. Doherty returned figures of 0-7 off four overs.

Ricky Ponting - OUT - c Haddin b Copeland 7 (27b 0x4 0x 6)

Made a strong start hitting seven runs off his first 25 deliveries, but that is where it ended for the Australian captain.

Doug Bollinger - BOWLING

2-12 off nine overs

Brad Haddin - OUT - c Bailey b Faulkner 10 (35b 1x4 1x6)

With his place in the Test team assured Haddin had no pressure on him but he still struggled to make runs. He can be comforted knowing that he wasn't the only one in his team that failed with the bat.

Nathan Hauritz - OUT - c Jones b Faulkner 0 (1b 0x4 0x6) - YET TO BOWL

Golden duck for the spinner, won't be too worried as batting was never his caper.

VICTORIA V WEST AUSTRALIA at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.

Mike Hussey - OUT - c Hussey b McDonald 0 (18b 0x4 0x6).

Increasing pressure to keep his spot in the national team may have been the straw the broke the camel's back as Hussey was caught at slip for a duck. In a twist of irony it was Hussey's brother that made the catch that sent the left hander back to the dressing room after facing18 balls at the crease.

Marcus North - OUT - c Hussey b Pattinson 17 (51b 2x4 0x6)

Had the chance to impress after others failed but he himself fell after a promising start to his innings. He was eventually sent packing for 17 after Hussey caught him off the bowling of Pattinson.

Mitchell Johnson - YET TO BOWL

QUEENSLAND V SOUTH AUSTRALIA at Allan Border Field, Brisbane.

There are no representatives from the 17 man Test squad playing in this game.