Late bloomer Michael Hussey defies years with tons of runs

Australia's Mike Hussey says there's no secret to his late blooming success as he claimed another century against Sri Lanka in the first Hobart Test on Saturday.

Hussey continues to flourish at 37, just months younger than Ricky Ponting who called it quits to Test cricket earlier this month after his batting form tailed off.

But Hussey shows no signs of dimming as he claimed his fifth century in six Tests against Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 115 for his 19th Test century and his third ton in the last month.

The durable left-hander is pragmatic about his longevity in the game ahead of next year's Ashes series in England.

"I don't think there's any secret, I just think you need luck to go your way. I thought Ricky Ponting was batting really well and had some big scores in Sheffield Shield but this game sometimes really can sort you out," he said.

"So I'm under no illusions that that's going to happen to me as well. It just takes a couple of good balls, a couple of bad shots and a couple of things not to go your way and you can feel under pressure.

"At the moment it seems to be going my way but understanding how the game goes it can turn very quickly and so I want to enjoy it while it lasts."

Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford believes Peter Pan Hussey has a few more years of Test cricket left in him.

"Just looking at how fit and quick he is between the wickets that's really impressive at his age," Ford said after Saturday's play.

"And certainly at this stage he looks like he's got a good few years ahead of him."

Hussey said he had no long-term ambitions, just to get through this current season.

"I've been thinking for the last few years that if I can just get through this year I would be happy so I'm not really thinking too much further than this year at the moment," he said.

"While I'm still enjoying it and while I still feel like I can contribute to the team, then I am really enjoying every opportunity I'm getting at the moment."

Hussey said he knew it was his day when the normally reliable fielder Angelo Mathews dropped him on 96 on the way to his latest Test century.

Mathews looked set to take the catch on the mid-wicket boundary ropes but fumbled the chance, allowing the ball to bounce over for four to bring up Hussey's 100.

"When you get into the 90s your mind starts playing tricks on you and certainly my heart-rate was raised and you do some silly things when you're under pressure like that," Hussey said.

"I couldn't believe it when I picked Angelo out and I've seen him take some amazing catches over the years so I thought there was no chance he was going to drop it.

"But sometimes in this game it just happens to be your day and luckily today was my day."