David Hussey watches over big brother

David Hussey wants his brother Michael to relax as he attempts to emerge from a troubling batting slump in South Africa. While David's form is on the rise after his 88 in the opening Twenty20 on Friday, Michael's struggles continued with a first-ball duck - although his sibling had a huge say in the dismissal.

Michael was run out when David, who is two years younger, wanted a quick single that was too tight. "It's very disappointing for Mike," David told AAP. "He's not going through the easiest time with the bat."

There have been brief rallies from Michael this season, but he has not gone close to matching his heroics of the previous couple of years. However, his younger brother has some advice.

"Mike's unbelievable," he said. "He trains probably too hard at times. I keep telling him to relax a little bit. But he just loves cricket, loves playing, loves doing well and helping Australia win games. Hopefully that can continue for him because he has had a great start to his career."

David's strong finish to the southern hemisphere summer has increased his chances of being part of Australia's Ashes tour. He has more time to impress in the second Twenty20 in Centurion on Sunday and will receive opportunities during the five-game ODI series starting on Friday.

"If you perform in any game and hopefully help Australia win that game, it will definitely help in the longer run," he said. "I desperately want to play Test cricket. My avenue in is through Twenty20 and one-day performances.

"I averaged about 15 before Friday night's innings so I really needed to do something. Hopefully I can make a few runs and take a few wickets and field well and put my name up in front of selectors."

If he doesn't get on the England trip he will spend time at home in Melbourne. "I'd love to be that spare batsman [on the Ashes tour]," he said. "You've got to be ready and you've got to be adaptable. When you get that opportunity, you must take it with both hands."