Michael Hussey does not feel Australia are under any extra pressure despite losing the first Test to South Africa in Perth.

The batsman also believes the fact that Australia are facing a 1-0 deficit - the first time they have lost the opening Test at home since 1988 - could inspire a resurgence from the team.

The all-conquering Australian side have not tasted defeat in a Test series on home soil since the West Indies prevailed 2-1 nearly 16 years ago but Hussey struck a positive note as the teams head to Melbourne for the traditional Boxing Day clash.

Proteas stun Australia

"It's not nice to be one down but I think that will galvanise us a bit more and we have just got to come out and play a good brand of cricket," Hussey said.

"I don't think we can try harder. I don't think we should put more pressure on ourselves, we have just got to come out and play a good brand of Australian cricket. And I know if we can do that for long periods of time then we will be successful."

Many individuals came under severe scrutiny for their performance in the first Test with Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Jason Krejza, Andrew Symonds and Matthew Hayden among the players who failed to reach their usual high standards.

Of those five, only Krejza was omitted from the 13-man squad selected for the second Test with New South Welshman Nathan Hauritz and Tasmanian Ben Hilfenhaus picked after some strong performances for their state sides.

Hussey all for a spinner

While Hussey did indicate he was in favour of playing a specialist spinner at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he underlined that the only way the Australians would get back into the series was if the whole side stepped up their game.

"Everyone needs to perform well," he added.

The team needs to fire

"When you have two evenly-matched teams, you can't rely too much on one or two players to make all your runs and take all your wickets.

"It's a case of everyone performing. The guys are preparing well and we just have to get out there and not think about what is going on too much and just concentrate on the job at hand."

Despite the loss at the WACA, Hussey maintained that the spirit among the group had not been dented.

"There is a lot of smiles, lots of laughter and the boys are looking forward to getting in and working hard as we did today and we will again tomorrow," he said.

"The way we can get back into this Test series and levelling it at 1-1 is by keeping a clear mind and playing good hard disciplined Test cricket for long periods of time.

"We are really looking forward to this Test match."