Phil Hughes returns to the Test team at the venue of his axing last year. This time around, he is a very different player equipped with all the attributes to succeed.
He burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old, becoming the youngest player to score a century in a Pura Cup final. And then with two 100s in his second Test against the Proteas at Sahara Stadium, he became the youngest Australian since Doug Walters to score a Test century.
He looked to have the world at his feet but last summer Chris Martin found a weakness outside his off stump, which he exploited and sapped Hughes of all his confidence.
It should be noted that Hughes was not the only player to look suspect on the Hobart green top and selectors may have dispensed with him prematurely.
Instead of getting down on himself and spitting the dummy, Hughes devised a strategy to improve his game so when another opportunity presented itself, he was a better and a more mature player ready to succeed.
The first step in this plan was to spend the winter at Worcester where with Steve Rhodes he worked on his technique, developing his leg-side and back-foot game as well as becoming more selective with his off-side play.
He dominated all forms of the game and averaged over 100 despite playing on a lot of green tops.
Step two was a move to South Australia where he put in a lot of work with Darren Berry and batting coach Jeff Vaughan, which has paid dividends with a heap of runs in the Pura Cup, Ryobi Cup and a 70 in the Big Bash.
Having seen him play, he looks assured at the crease, scores all around the wicket and also has a much improved shot selection.
His recall to the Test team comes at a time when Hughes is in the best form of his career. I believe we will see Hughes dominating all forms of the game for the next few years.
This is a mature headstrong young man who is indeed set to shine.
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