A REFRESHED Mike Hussey has credited his enforced rest in assisting in his return to form before next week's Ashes opener in Cardiff.

Hussey eased one of Australia's biggest pre-Ashes headaches by producing a commanding 143 not out against the England Lions at New Road.

He shook off his batting blues of the last eight months in the five-hour knock after having only scored one half century in his past 12 Test innings.

"I think when you are in the bubble of international cricket you don't really how much it does really effect you," he said.

"I actually felt OK in South Africa but talking to my coach he reckons I look a lot different now then I did by the end of the one-day series (in South Africa).

"He said I looked a lot fresher and lot more enthusiastic.

"I don't feel too much different but obviously other people that I trust and respect what they say, did see a change in me so I guess the break was definitely a good thing for me."

Hussey was always likely to fall victim to the gruelling travel schedule demanded from international players that compete in all three forms of the game.

The 34-year-old said he had tried to remain patient during his slump after having made such a sensational start to his international career.

"You have to expect there will be a period of time when things do not go to plan and runs do not come as freely as you would like," he said.

"I was very prepared for a period of time when things were not going to work.

"But it was important just to stick to what I know and the way I prepare and know if I stick to those things long enough then I still have some good scores left in me for Australia."