Hughes recalled as cover for Ponting
SYDNEY, Australia (CMC) — Australia’s selectors on Monday recalled opening batsman Phillip Hughes as cover for injured captain Ricky Ponting in a 13-man squad for the first of three Tests against Pakistan starting on
Boxing Day.
Hughes, who scored a hundred (122) for New South Wales in a Sheffield Shield match this past weekend, has not played a Test since being dropped after two games in the Ashes series this
past summer.
The left-hander is set to replace Ponting if the skipper does not recover in time from the blow he suffered on his arm in the Perth Test against West Indies last week.
Ponting was struck on the left elbow trying to evade a rising delivery from pacer Kemar Roach at the WACA and is being given ongoing treatment for the injury.
Peter Siddle is back in the squad after injury, but his pace partner Ben Hilfenhaus is still sidelined.
Siddle missed the Perth Test against the Windies with a hamstring strain, but will play a domestic One-Dayer for Victoria today to build up
his fitness.
Clint McKay, who made his debut at the WACA, holds his place while Hilfenhaus misses out again following a knee problem that ruled him out of the second and third Tests against West Indies.
AUSTRALIA SQUAD — Ricky Ponting (captain), Shane Watson, Simon Katich, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Clint McKay, Doug Bollinger.