Two years ago, Mike Hussey’s Test career was as good as over.

Only a timely Sheffield Shield ton for Western Australia secured his spot for the Ashes, before the elegant left-hander went on a rampage that netted him 570 runs at an average of 63.33 for the series.

Now, it’s Ricky Ponting feeling the heat.

Ponting has felt it before and managed to scrape through.

But at 37 years of age, and with scores of 0, 4 and 16 against South Africa this series, Ponting may only have the third Test at the WACA Ground to prove he still has a place in the Australian set-up.

Adding to his woes is a return of just two Test centuries from his past 46 innings.

But Hussey is backing Ponting to emerge from his form slump, saying the former skipper is handling the situation as if there was no pressure on him at all.

“I just think it’s crazy to doubt someone like Ricky Ponting. He’s an absolute champion,” Hussey said on Wednesday.

“It’s just the nature of this game. Sometimes little things don’t go your way. He got a couple of fantastic deliveries that would get anybody out.

“The good thing is he’s still in a positive frame of mind, he’s still working hard and he’s still got the determination to do it.

“While he’s still got that, I think it would be silly for anyone to write him off.

“He’s still fantastic around the team, he’s still positive and upbeat and working hard and preparing well.

“I’m sure, knowing the champion that he is, there’s a big score not too far away.”

Hussey, along with captain Michael Clarke, has been a rock for Australia this series, posting scores of 100, 103 and 54 heading into the deciding Test.