Hussey Jr, Bailey in for Mr Cricket?

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Cavalry ... Could either Dave Hussey or George Bailey replace Mr Cricket? Source: Brett Costello / AFP

Mike Hussey's retirement from international cricket is set to leave a big hole in Australia's batting lineup, but could also open the door for younger brother David to make his Test debut.

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The senior Hussey announced on Saturday that the New Years Test against Sri Lanka will be the last time he wears the baggy green, and Fox Sports cricket commentator Damien Fleming says selectors don't have to look far to find the 37-year-old's replacement.

"Mike Hussey has been a truly great player for Australia in all forms of cricket, but what about his brother David?', Fleming asked on Fox Sports News.

"This (Hussey's retirement) could open the door for him. He's a great player who can bowl a bit too."

While the likes of Usman Khawaja, and to a lesser extent, Rob Quiney and Glenn Maxwell, appear to be ahead in the pecking order, fellow Fox Sports commentator Greg Blewett said the experience of George Bailey could prove invaluable for the Aussies.

"The India tour will be very interesting. Maybe it opens the door for George Bailey," Blewett said.

Tom Moody agreed, insisting Australia's Twenty20 skipper could provide Michael Clarke with the much-needed deputy currently lacking in the side, with an Ashes series against in-form England on the horizon.

"They're big shoes to fill for Australia. But George Bailey has experience, and an older and mature head to support Michael Clarke for the next few years," Moody said.

Blewett said that while the news of Hussey's retirement probably came as a surprise to Cricket Australia, it leaves plenty of time to bed in Hussey's replacement before the Ashes.

"It's probably knocked the selectors around a little, who thought Michael Hussey would be around for another year at least," Blewett said.

"The timing is probably right for a player like him to go out on the top of his game. He's had a great summer.

"He was under pressure 12 months ago but really turned it around. I like the timing, there is a chance to rebuild."