Out-of-favour Australian batsman Phil Hughes marked his return to county cricket after a two-year break by blasting a century on debut for Worcestershire against former club Middlesex at New Road.
Three days after flying into England, the former Test opener plundered 111 as the Royals’ reached 5-235 in a 56-run victory over Middlesex, who folded for 179.
Hughes first played in England with Middlesex prior to a disappointing Ashes series in 2009 and he re-appeared in the following season for a short spell with Hampshire.
However his international career – which took off spectacularly with two centuries in a Test against South Africa – progressed fitfully up to his last appearance in December against New Zealand.
Originally signed by Worcestershire for the full season, he had to delay his arrival when called into a Cricket Australia training camp in Brisbane where he benefited from working in the nets against international bowlers Mitchell Johnson and Pat Cummins.
There were understandable timing problems as he adjusted to English conditions and he also developed a noticeable limp in his running between the wickets but once he had found his range, seven of his 11 fours came in a second 50 from 35 balls.
Bearfax
Guest
I can live with that Jamesswm. Yes maybe having Hughes and Warner together could be too unpredictable and you need a solid start. I like Khawaja, and he has succeeded well opening in the past. Just hope they both get their mojo back. Burns could be a special player also so I can see where you are going with that one. Not so sure of the other two. Warner would make a formidable No6, especially with the bowlers tiring. he is a little too impetuous and vulnerable as an opener. yes I can see your points.
jameswm
Guest
I can't see how Warner and Hughes could ever open together. If someone like Khawaja came on, and Hughes improved, I'd open with Hughes and Khawaja, and bat Warner at 6 (Watson 5 and Clarke 4). We really need the Forrests, Burnses, Davises etc of this world to make the case for their selection irresistable.
Bearfax
Guest
Encouraging start, but you'll need to pile them on in the next couple of months to justify Oz looking at you again as an opener. I've no doubt Hughes has the talent. But can he rid himself of low percentage shots and concentrate again on developping a risk free innings. Australia desparately needs a few new batsmen of quality and especially a 'stick around and heavy scoring' opener to complment Warners quick fire and often short innings. Love Warner's play, but a strong accummulator of big scores, which Hughes has the potential to become, is sorely needed.