http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978 backs Phil Hughes to perform – Cricket News Update
Australia’s skipper Michael Clarke has shown full faith in opener Phil Hughes, who has been struggling to perform in Test cricket recently.
According to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Friday, December 9,
2011.
Australia managed to win the first Test comfortably by nine wickets, but Hughes failed to make an impression in both his outings.
The 23-year-old opener got out after scoring just 10 runs in the first innings. He played an away swinging ball across the line and only managed to edge it to the gully fielder http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Guptill-c1980, who took an outstanding catch.
Although http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 were given a target of 19 runs to win the first Test, Hughes failed to guide his side to a 10-wicket victory. He was dismissed almost in the same fashion like the first innings and this time contributed just seven runs to the total.
Considering his poor selection of shots, the selectors might have thought of giving a chance to someone else for the second Test.
However, Clarke said that it will not be ideal to disturb the winning combination. He added, “There was definitely (debate over the team). We spoke about (playing Christian). That's why he is here. We know what he can do with the ball. It was a long debate.
But we felt the team played well in Brisbane and it is important to keep a winning team.”
Commenting on the playing conditions in Hobart, the Aussie skipper expected the pitch to assist the batsmen.
The 30-year-old said, “I think day one is going to be quite tough for the batters especially if it's overcast and then I'm hoping it will turn into a pretty good wicket. So I still see Lyno (http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nathan-Michael-Lyon-c78822) playing a big part for us, probably later in the game
rather than on day one.”
Australia are currently leading the two match series by 1-0 and even a draw will give them the series victory. However, the hosts will look to win the match and finish things off in style.
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