Thaindian News

Chennai, Sep 22 (IANS) Coming off a century in the Test match against Sri Lanka earlier this week, Australian Philip Hughes has had little time to get into T20 mode ahead of the Champions League, but presented a picture of confidence in the New South Wales Blues jersey.

“Sure, it was a great experience. It is a huge personal thing for me to get to the centre in the last game. We lost a couple of early wickets. It was tough to bat staying on a turning wicket on the fourth day. Personally, I was very confident with the way I was batting. It was rewarding to get a three figure score,” the 22-year old Hughes recalled at a media conference here Thursday.

On switching from Tests to T20, Hughes, who in the past two seasons has developed into a top-notch opener with impeccable technique and temperament, felt that the 48 hours he had to adjust for the game against the Cape Cobras Saturday, were sufficient.

“I have been playing Test cricket during the last four weeks. It is very different, but I got couple of days to see before the first game coming up. Today, I could hit out Nathan (Hauritz) at the nets.

“T20 is a different game but you got to adapt to it as quickly as possible. The preparation of our team is huge. They are pumped about to get out and play. With our 2009 title win in the back of our minds, we need to fire from the first game Saturday,” he said.

Hughes opined that the absence of Brett Lee, who was a member of the Blues team that won the inaugural Champions League in 2009, would not hugely impact the side as he felt that Pat Cummins could do a good job.

“Brett had played a huge part for us in last Champions league. But Paddy (Cummins) has been coming in and bowling at some very good pace at 140/150 (kmph),” he pointed out.

Looking back at his fledgling international career, Hughes admitted that he had somewhat lost his way after a sparkling debut with two back-to-back centuries against South Africa, but has since made his way back into the Australian squad.

“All happened very fast. In those couple of years, I got dropped and have not been there during the last two and half years. Lot of people had come in. All I could look at is that I was not there in the team full time.

“I was a spare batsman on the tours and got opportunities here and there. Playing an odd game is difficult, but now I feel I am part of the team. It was an enjoyable experience to get off to make my third century in Tests after a long time. It does not happen every day and it was a huge moment for me.

“Probably during the last six months, I batted the best. I am looking to improve and I am working on my game. I worked harder in the nets in Sri Lanka with my Coach. There was a lot of talk in Sri Lanka that I might get dropped again. I stuck to my guns and I know I have to go and play my natural game. It is great to get that big score,” he said.