Hussey says 'every Oz batsman', not just Clarke, Watson 'critical' for Ashes success

Former Australian Test batsman Michael Hussey has said that the national team would need contributions from everyone, not just Michael Clarke or Shane Watson, if they are to win the return Ashes series Down Under.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Hussey was impressed by what he has seen recently from Steve Smith, who earned a recall to the baggy green this year in India and made his maiden Test ton during this year's Ashes series in England.

He said that Smith was certainly playing with a lot of confidence, adding that he went through a tough couple of years but he has now worked very hard on his game.

While England battles the elements and injury in its quest to bed down key spots in its batting order, Australia's top seven all but pick themselves after a strong start to the summer, the report said.