Australian coach Tim Nielsen says South Australian batsman Callum Ferguson is 'a big chance' to play in the first Ashes Test.
Ferguson made 129 off 143 balls for the Redbacks in their Sheffield Shield match against WA in Adelaide to strengthen his claim for a Test spot.
Ferguson's impressive form has increased the pressure on Michael Hussey and Marcus North to hold their places in the Test team, with both failing in their Shield clash amid criticism of their recent international performances.
Nielsen said Ferguson was one of a handful of young players in contention for the first Test in Brisbane on November 25.
"I think he's done a tremendous job," he said.
"He's gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years ... he's come back from injury and made runs whenever he's been given the opportunity."
"All he can keep doing is making sure that whenever the opportunity comes he puts his best foot forward and gets runs."
"There's plenty of pressure on spots and plenty for the selectors to think about."
Hussey was dismissed for a golden duck in that Shield clash while North fell for 10, but Nielsen said they would be given every chance to prove their worth.
"It'd be nice for (Hussey) to get some runs, but we can't panic too much," he said.
"The thing for Huss would be to get a couple of really big scores to confirm in his mind that he's back in form.
"When North goes back to the domestic level he plays well ... the challenge for us and for him is to show he can be consistent at that top level."
Meanwhile, England vice-captain Alastair Cook has rejected claims team-mate Kevin Pietersen is a distraction to his side.
Cook said the 30-year-old would be crucial to England's Ashes chances.
"He's obviously had a difficult 12 months with his form but his work ethic over those 12 months has been the hardest I've seen him work at his game," Cook said.
"I know he's desperate to prove to people he's still a great player."
Cook said his side has improved physically and mentally from when they were beaten 5-0 during their last Ashes tour.
"The belief's very high but we are under no illusions it's going to be extremely hard work and there's going to be some really tough moments out here," he said.
