SYDNEY: Phil Hughes was yesterday handed another chance to resurrect his Australian career after being recalled as a replacement for Ricky Ponting in next week’s first Test against Sri Lanka.
Hughes, who has played for his country 17 times as an opener but not since against New Zealand in December 2011, was preferred ahead of Rob Quiney and Usman Khawaja to fill the void left by the retired Ponting.
Ponting, the second-highest Test run-scorer of all-time behind India’s Sachin Tendulkar, played his final and record-equalling 168th Test for Australia against South Africa in Perth, which finished on Monday.
Hughes, 24, has satisfied selectors that he has overcome technical issues which made him vulnerable to the rising ball and which led to his axing in the past.
“It is actually really special this time,” Hughes told reporters ahead of the first Test in Hobart starting on December 14
“The sacrifices that I have made in the last 12 months have been quite big. I knew I had to do them ... so to me, I can go in there with a fresh mind.”
Skipper Michael Clarke has still to decide on his batting order against Sri Lanka, but the opening pair of David Warner and Ed Cowan are expected to remain leaving Hughes seen as coming in at number three.
Australia - Michael Clarke (capt), Shane Watson, David Warner, Ed Cowan, Phil Hughes, Mike Hussey, Matthew Wade, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Lyon. AFP
