Paceman Steve Harmison has told England’s pace attack to zero in on Phillip Hughes’ ribs and claimed he had spotted weak points in the Australian team before next week’s Ashes opener in Cardiff.

The gangly Durham quick, who bowled arguably the worst opening Ashes delivery in history in 2006-07, showed he had regained his confidence despite being on the fringe of selection for Sophia Gardens.

The 60-Test veteran’s opening ball on the opening day in Worcester bounced off Hughes’ helmet before removing the boy wonder for seven with another short ball that the left-hander ungainly fended to slips.

And Harmison was keen to start the mind games on the 20-year-old run-making machine.

“It was probably an eye-opener for Hughes,” Harmison told The Daily Mail.

“He could be susceptible to the short ball around his hip and armpit and it’s an area England might target.

“He’s got a week to put it right.” The highly-rated South African fast bowling brigade earlier this year tried a similar approach in the Republic and despite looking uncomfortable at times Hughes enjoyed a prolific debut series.

Morne Morkel in particular delivered a barrage of short-pitched bowling to the New South Welshman in the second innings of his debut Test in Johannesburg.

Although he enjoyed plenty of good fortune in making his way to 75, he quickly adjusted and cracked back to back centuries in the following Test in Durban.

His teammate Mike Hussey had no concerns about Hughes.

“I think he will be fine,” Hussey said.

“I think the great thing about Phil Hughes at the moment is that he is paying with a lot of freedom and no fear really.

“That is such a great asset to have so as long he keeps that clear mind and trusting his game.” Harmison felt the tourists were missing their trademark confidence ahead of the first Test starting on Wednesday week.

“They’re not as confident or brash as they normally are,” he said.

“Maybe the side are still gelling or maybe they’re missing some big players.

© AAP 2012

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