Sydney: Australian opening batsman Philip Hughes has said that he was shocked over Cricket Australia’s decision to overlook Simon Katich for a central contract, but admitted that he wants to do the best he can to be the experienced batsman’s replacement.
“I was devastated for Simon, very disappointed. He has been huge for me, personally. I remember the first time I got a rookie contract for NSW and he was one of the first people to come up to me at training and give his time,” a daily quoted Hughes, as saying.
The 22-year-old further said that the player who will replace Katich would be under constant scrutiny.
“I’d love to be in the Test side, but we’ll have to wait and see until it gets selected. All I can do is prepare well and keep getting runs on the board,” Hughes said.“Whoever does get picked in that position is going to get a lot of media talk and scrutiny, but everyone has pressure on them, so you just get your head around that and learn to deal with it,” he added.
Hughes has been in the form of his life, as he has made two hundreds from his four innings on the tour of Zimbabwe.
He is also expected to partner Shane Watson when Australia head to Sri Lanka for a Test series beginning in late August.
ANI
First Published: Saturday, July 23, 2011, 14:15