“I think in 10 years from now, we’ll be talking about Phillip Hughes as one of those players to play 100 Test matches for Australia”
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Despite not being included in Australia’s squad for their upcoming ODI tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, captain Michael Clarke believes Phillip Hughes will be “a 100-Test player”.
Clarke also noted that it is only a matter of time before Hughes becomes a regular face in the Test side.
“I think Hughesy is a really good example of someone who continues to score big runs,” Clarke told ABC Radio this week. “Look at his first-class record, he’s probably got more hundreds than any other player at his age. He’s making runs consistently for Australia A, so I think he’s doing everything he can to be in the front of the selectors’ minds.
“His performances speak for themselves. He’s got a bright future. He’s a 100-Test player in my opinion. He’s just got to get an opportunity now and I’m sure he’ll grab it with both hands. But I think in 10 years from now, we’ll be talking about Phillip Hughes as one of those players to play 100 Test matches for Australia. He’s got the talent, he’s got the work ethic.
“I guess what I love most about Hughesy is his passion and want to play for Australia. You ask him to do something, he’ll do it if it helps him get in this Australian team. He’s a good guy to have around the group. I’ve always liked him, I’ve got a lot of respect for him and I know he’ll play a lot of cricket for Australia.”
However, Hughes still has a great chance of being included in the Test team for the upcoming tour of the United Arab Emirates in October if he continues to score runs.
Hughes himself revealed that the new chairman of selectors, Rod Marsh, has challenged him to continue making big scores ahead of Australia A’s match against South Africa A in Townsville.
“I was really disappointed to not get selected for that [Zimbabwe tour], but that’s how it is,” Hughes said. “All I can do is continue to play some consistent cricket. I’m happy with my game at the moment. I’ve had a good chat with Rod Marsh and he’s been really good.
“That chat stays between me and Rod, but it’s about scoring a lot more runs and everything takes care of itself. I spoke to Rod a number of times in the last week and he’s been very supportive. They only took 14 to Zimbabwe, so it’s not many in the squad. There wasn’t really room for me, and that’s what he said. It’s about going on and scoring a lot more runs and continuing to be consistent.”