Sharjah: Phillip Hughes, who top scored for Australia with 65 in the second innings of their defeat to Pakistan A on Saturday, feels the tour match revealed what is in store for his team in the two-Test series starting this week.
“Going forward we’re going to know spin is going to play a big part as well as reverse swing, so they’re probably the two biggest things,” said Hughes, who feels that, despite his team losing the match, it was good practice.
“It was good for everyone to have a bit of a hit-out over the last four days,” said Hughes.
“When you’re batting out there, it gradually starts reversing. It was probably what got me out. When the quicks came back on for their second spells, that’s when it started reversing. Unfortunately, personally I didn’t go on and get that big one, which I should have.”
Hughes used sweep shots effectively against the spinners. “When the ball is spinning in, I feel quite comfortable sweeping and also using my feet. It was nice to spend some time in the middle against a couple of quality spinners,” he said.
Asked if he believes he has done enough to earn a place in the Test side, he replied: “I’ve got absolutely no idea. I know I’m in this squad now. It’s down to the selectors and what they want.
Step by step
“I’m just happy biding my time and being that spare batsman on tour. That’s what happened in South Africa in the last Test series and then again here. I’ll be supporting the boys next week whatever the team will be.”
Hughes does not see the defeat to Pakistan A as a big blow. “The huge positive is a lot of guys got a good run-around in the last four days. Everyone’s had a bit of a crack at different roles so that’s a real plus for everyone.”
