Redbacks run machines Callum Ferguson and Phil Hughes eye higher honours

Redbacks batsman Callum Ferguson is in career-best form. Picture: Morne de Klerk. Source: Getty Images

Ferguson was a bystander on Australia's one-day tour of India in October which also meant missing the opening round of the Sheffield Shield.

MATCH REPORT: REDBACKS REEL IN BATTLING BLUES

Limited opportunity in two tour matches against England followed but 289 runs at 72 across several definitive knocks for South Australia has Ferguson on a roll.

"I am really pleased with the way I am playing, in a good space. To get some rewards has been great," said Ferguson, who struck a match-winning 110 against Victoria in Melbourne this month.

Steve Smith and George Bailey are yet to bed down middle order slots in Australia's Test side but their cause is helped by Australia's 2-0 Ashes scoreline.

Ferguson, who guided SA to victory with an undefeated 45 against New South Wales yesterday in Sydney, is targeting inclusion in Australia's one-day squad to face England. He would eat up an Ashes call-up in an instant.

"The ultimate goal is to play Test cricket," said Ferguson, with a faultless 41 average in 31 one-day starts for Australia.

"I'd like to be in contention for the one-day squad. I am pleased to get a few runs and wins on the board, usually the selectors take some notice of that.

"If an opportunity comes I am ready to go."

Ferguson also talked up 26-Test left-hander Phil Hughes' international prospects having notched tons in SA's consecutive Shield triumphs against Victoria and the Blues.

"Phil is batting beautifully," said Ferguson of Hughes with 549 runs at 61 this season.

"He is ready to go at international level especially with a South Africa series coming up."