October 13, 2014 2:18PM
PHIL Hughes has jumped into the box seat for a Test recall against Pakistan, replacing injured opener David Warner in the crucial tour match starting Wednesday in Sharjah.
Warner, 27, is in doubt for the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai starting on October 22 due to a groin strain. The left-hander crashed a half-century (56) before pulling up lame while fielding in the 35th over of the third and final one-day clash Australia won by one-run in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Aggressive Warner, so integral to Australia averaging 46 over 30 Tests, will not front for the four-day hit out against Pakistan A in Sharjah.
Warner’s injury will be further assessed over the next 24 hours where a clearer indication of his availability for the Test series will be determined by team physio Alex Kountouris. Paceman Kane Richardson also sustained a groin strain in Australia’s thrilling, one-run win that secured a 3-0 sweep of the series.
Warner will now be robbed of vital red-ball practice. His last first-class game was the final Test against South Africa in Cape Town in March where matchwinning, dual tons were delivered.
Hughes figured in the last of his 26 Tests against England at Lord’s in July last year and is the reserve batsman in the United Arab Emirates.
South Australian Hughes had been in line to replace skipper Michael Clarke but Australia’s premier batsman is now expected to overcome a serious hamstring injury.
Hughes — was in sensational form this winter — striking an unbeaten double ton (243) against South Africa A in Townsville and one-day half centuries against the Proteas in Harare. Hughes, 25, is desperate to reboot a rollercoaster Test career with five false dawns and could alongside the man he’s tipped to replace long-term — veteran Chris Rogers — if Warner is ruled out.
Australia’s ever expanding casualty ward also contains all-rounder Mitchell Marsh — attempting to recover from a hamstring strain incurred leading Perth Scorchers in the Champions League against Lahore on September 30.
Marsh, 22, would have to prove his fitness in the Sharjah tour game to win a Test debut and emulate father Geoff and brother Shaun in wearing the baggy green.
Tasmanian James Faulkner is Marsh’s shadow — remaining with the Test squad after featuring in Australia’s one-day success against Pakistan. Frontline all-rounder Shane Watson is sidelined with a calf complaint.
In-form all-rounder Glenn Maxwell (2/41) — who took a double wicket maiden to secure victory in Abu Dhabi — is also vying with Mitchell Marsh for a Test start against Pakistan.
Chairman of selectors Rod Marsh yesterday said Maxwell and Marsh ‘have as much natural talent as any two blokes in world cricket’.
