Australian cricketer Mike Hussey.

AAP

RICKY Ponting could see it in Mike Hussey's eyes that Australia's No.4 was ready to deliver what could be a career-saving century at The Oval.

It was just a pity the left-hander's knock came in a losing cause.

Hussey went to the wicket in the final innings of the series under a mountain of pressure, his future in the team no longer assured.

It had been 28 Test innings since his last Test century and the selectors must have been running out of patience as he'd averaged just over 22 in his last 13 Tests and made only 155 from his previous seven innings of the Ashes series.

But Mr Cricket re-emerged as he batted for five-and-a-half hours on Sunday, trying to lift his side to at least within sight of the massive target of 546 and proved he was far from a spent force at Test level.

His 121 off 263 balls was an exceptional innings considering the Ashes and his spot were on the line, displaying grit and temperament on a pitch playing a few tricks.

"He played beautifully today, exceptionally," Ponting said.

"You could see in his eyes this morning that he was really up for the challenge.

"It's been a while since he made the hundred and he's probably felt that more than anyone else.

"To see him stand up and make that hundred today in difficult conditions when the team needed him most and when he needed it most ... was great for us.

"He showed just how much of a class player (he is)."

Just like Matthew Hayden did in 2005, Hussey used an Ashes finale to save his bacon.

Having had troubles working out the location of his off stump for much of the series, Hussey looked more positive from the outset by being keener to get bat on ball.

He enjoyed the sort of luck that has generally deserted him during this series, edging catches to first slip Paul Collingwood on 22 and 55.

Hussey made a fateful decision on 51 to scamper off for a quick single after hitting the ball to the lumbering Andrew Flintoff at mid-on.

The retiring allrounder made his biggest mark of his farewell Test by throwing the stumps down to dismiss Ponting for 66.

Hussey watched Australia's in-form batsman Michael Clarke (0) depart six balls later to a freak run out as the tide started really turning against the tourists.

Hussey pushed Broad for two after tea for his first ton in five Test series, raising his arms in celebration.

The West Australian was the last man to go to his good mate Graeme Swann.

The 34-year-old stood around and shook hands with all the English players because that is the sort of bloke he is.

But at least he knows that because of Sunday's knock there will be more days for him in the baggy green.

Who knows? The next Ashes series is only 15 months away.