Though Ferguson was initially named in Australia's 30-man squad for the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 he was cut from the final squad of 15. Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch described cutting Ferguson as "the hardest selection of them all," saying "He is a young kid who has taken all the opportunities that have come his way and done exceptionally well. He is desperately unlucky not to be in the squad." He was, however, given a Cricket Australia contract for the 2009–10 season. Ferguson remained in the ODI squad when he was included in the team for Australia's ODIs in England and Scotland at the end of the 2009 season. In this series he had the best ODI innings of his career, surviving through difficult bowling spells to score 71 not out at The Oval against England and being awarded the man of the match, with Australian captain Michael Clarke noting the "beauty" of his batting. He was one of the key players for Australia in the series win against England, scoring two half-centuries and twice being at the crease to seal run chases.