Hughes needs to back himself: Hussey

Embattled Australia opener finds support ahead of 2nd Test against Kiwis.


Agencies December 05, 2011

BRISBANE: Mike Hussey has urged besieged opener Phillip Hughes to back his natural game after being retained in Australia’s Test squad.

Despite failing with just 10 and seven runs in the first Test, Hughes looks set to get another chance in the second match against New Zealand, starting on Friday in Hobart.

Hughes has passed 36 just twice in his past 17 Test innings and with Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh on track to return, the opener’s position appears vulnerable. His six-ball failure on Sunday highlighted the left-hander’s technical weakness.

But Hussey said he does not believe the 23-year-old should be singled out for continuing an unhappy knack of falling to catches behind the wicket.

“I think it’s important for him to keep a real clear mind and to keep playing his way,” said Hussey. “He’s had success playing his way. He’s put together some really good scores for us in difficult conditions in Sri Lanka and South Africa. He works hard and he knows the areas he needs to work on.

“He’d want to get some more consistent scores but it’s tough work against the new ball.”

Christian included in squad

Meanwhile, Australia’s selection panel made one injury-enforced change to their 12-man squad with the inclusion of Dan Christian who replaced 12th man Ben Cutting.

“It’s disappointing for Ben, but this provides an opportunity for Daniel who has been performing well,” said chief selector John Inverarity. “The balance of a team is always enhanced by the presence of an energetic all-rounder in form.

Michael Clarke and his team are buoyant after their convincing victory in Brisbane. James Pattinson’s performance on debut will provide a great boost to all those who are new to the team.”

Wright puts batsmen on notice

Meanwhile, New Zealand coach John Wright has slammed his side’s batting performance at the Gabba, but said there would not be any changes to the top order for the second Test.

None of New Zealand’s top five managed a half-century in Brisbane, and in both innings the first five wickets had fallen with less than 100 on the board.

“The batting line-up that we chose deserves opportunity to redeem itself but we’re all on notice,” said Wright. “What I’m looking for is substance in our batters, the ability to bat for a long time and sell your wicket dearly. All these players are talented, but we need to value spending time at the wicket. In the last match we didn’t look like we knew where the off-stump was.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2011.

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