That was very nice of him to say that: Ferguson

The greatest quality that Australian middle-order batsman Callum Ferguson possesses is not his vision or footwork but that he does not believe his own publicity.

The South Australian is the clear candidate to fill the boots of Michael Hussey when the 34-year-old calls it quits.

Ferguson, 10 years Hussey's junior, has been marked by some of cricket's finest judges as Australia's next batting wonder and has emphatically underscored his potential by averaging 56 after 15 one-day international innings.

He barely twitches at the crease, but Ferguson is a bashful character off the field, praised by team-mates and coaches.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting said the moment he saw the right-hander he knew Ferguson was a Test player in the making.

''That's very nice of him to say that. Obviously, coming from such a fantastic legend of Australian cricket, it's fantastic of him to say that and very kind. I'd love to get there at some stage, but time will tell," The Age quoted Ferguson, as saying.

''That's something that is a goal of mine and when that comes, if it comes at all, is not in my hands, it's for the selectors.

"It's something I'd love to do at some stage but whether that ever comes, who knows, but I'd love to be there at some stage,'' he added.