Sydney, Nov 28 (ANI): Phillip Hughes, who is desperate to regain his spot at the top of the Australian order, reminded the national selectors of his potential, as New South Wales put Western Australia on back foot on day one of the Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA.

Hughes hit 12 boundaries on the way to a quick-fire 58 off 65 balls to help the Blues cruise to a first-innings lead yesterday.

NSW reached 4-168 at stumps, a lead of 37 after bowling out Western Australia for 131 in 40.2 overs.

With Shane Watson falling for a duck in Australia’s first Test against the West Indies at the Gabba, Hughes strode to the crease knowing a big score would inch him closer to a Test recall, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Hughes, who turns 21 on Monday, paid the price for his all-or-nothing approach, punching Steve Magoffin (1-36) straight to mid-off to end his entertaining knock. (ANI)