In the end it was a battle of Phil versus Phil, and this time it was the Hughes variety that won. Today he was chosen in the 14 man squad to tour South Africa, making it almost certain for him to become Baggy Green test cap number 407.If Hughes is chosen, he'll be the youngest Australian player to debut since Craig McDermott when he debuted way back in 1984 at the age of 19. Hughes has dominated in his short career at the Blues, averaging 60.38 with 5 hundreds and 10 half centuries. This season has been nothing short of exceptional for Hughes, scoring 963 runs with 4 centuries and 4 half centuries at an average of 68.78. Only bettered by State Player of the Year Michael Klinger. His brilliant form resulted in him being awarded the Bradman Young Player of the Year award at this year's Alan Border medal.
He made his mark on the country when he scored his debut hundred in last year's Pura Cup Final, becoming the youngest ever player to do so in a final. That sparked his brilliant form this summer in which he has had his great form.
Since Hayden retired, the talk was which Phil will go to South Africa? Hughes or Jacques. But it seems that Jaqcues hasn't quite recovered from his back injury, so the selectors went for Hughes. This selection is a sign of Australia looking to the future to try and rebuild the team. He was chosen alongside Victorian Bryce McGain and West Australian Marcus North in the 14 man squad. But it's not like they are just taking him over for some experience. He has the goods as he has proved this summer, and he has showed that he is the 2nd best opener in the country at this present time.
He will hopefully be the new fresh of young blood that the Australian team needs to turn around their horrible summer. He is debuting at an important time in Australian cricket. They have a horribly jam-packed 12 months, with tours of South Africa, Pakistan, England and India to come. With the Australians needing a break, new faces in the squad is the 2nd best thing that can happen.
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