But, on the same day his main rivals for a middle-order berth in the 17-man squad, Usman Khawaja and Callum Ferguson, failed to fire for the second time against the England attack in Hobart, Hussey came good at the MCG.
South Africa pushed Dale Steyn two places up the order from his customary number 10 berth, and he responded solidly as Kallis reached his century by driving a wide full-toss from Kevin Pietersen to the extra-cover fence.
It said important information was obtained following the first berthing trial "as to the precise adjustments that were needed in order for the ship to moor safely and securely in the berth and connect properly with the loading bridge".