The second youngest player to play for the state (after Michael Clarke), he has already shown that he fits into the squad, with his left handed stroke play. Opening the batting for NSW against Tassie on his debut, he knocked a lazy 51 (only at sr of 48...but opener, on debut, four day game). NSW won the match not having to bat again. As I type he is not out 65 of 82 in his second state match, a one-dayer against the Bushrangers.
So I would like to put it down in writing that i am interested in being able to see him bat some day soon. I think that he may be one of those players who may get the odd shot at the national squad, but will find his home much stronger in the state side. My mind goes back to players such as Greg Blewett, Stuart Law, and Matthew Elliot, all of whom have been amazing at state level, but have struggled to break into the national squad.
I hope that Cricket Australia, allow young Hughes to develop in New South Wales for a good few years before trying him in either the Twenty20, One day, or Test arena. He has some obvious natural talent, and it needs to be encouraged locally for a while before throughing him onto the main stage. That way we may have another Mike Hussey, rather than another Matthew Elliot (sorry Matty, love your game, but I'm sure you know what I mean).
Note: Hughes was out for 68 in his debut one-dayer for NSW.
Also a piece of interesting information. J is the middle initial of choice for the NSW team in the one-dayer vs Vic. with 5 players having their middle name starting with J. While there are 4 on the Vic side.
Links:
- Phillip Hughes Profile - cricinfo.com
- Victoria vs NSW at MCG 28/11/2007 - cricinfo.com
Other links
- Greg Blewett Profile - cricinfo.com
- Stuart Law Profile - cricinfo.com
- Matthew Elliot Profile - cricinfo.com
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