Hussey stands by Martyn

Damien Martyn falls to Matthew Hoggard in the first innings in Adelaide © Getty Images

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Mike Hussey has backed fellow Western Australia batsman Damien Martyn to retain his place for the third Ashes Test.

Martyn, dropped following last year’s Ashes series in England, was considered fortunate to make his way back into the Australia team later in 2005.

Despite performing well on the South Africa tour at the turn of the year, he is again struggling for form ahead of next week’s third Test against England.

He made 29, 11 and five in the first two Tests - both won by Australia - and is tipped by many to miss out if Shane Watson recovers from a hamstring injury in time for the Perth Test.

Watson was replaced by Michael Clarke for the opening two matches, but Clarke made sure of his place in the team courtesy of a half-century in Brisbane and scores of 124 and 21 not out in Adelaide.

Hussey, who struck the winning runs in Australia’s amazing victory at the Adelaide Oval, insisted 35-year-old Martyn is far from finished at Test level.

Michael Clarke's hundred secured his place in the side

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“I think that is grossly unfair,” Hussey said after arriving in Perth.

“He has been in outstanding form and cricket is such a great leveller - it just takes one good ball and you are out.

“I am sure the selectors will show faith in Damien - he is a vital member of our team. I certainly hope he is still in our team.”

Hussey added that nothing should be read into the fact he came in at number four - Martyn's usual spot in the batting order - on the fifth day in Adelaide.

“We wanted to keep a left-hand, right-hand combination going, so if Matty Hayden got out then I was going to go in,” Hussey said.

“If Ricky (Ponting) got out then Damien was going to go in.”