Clarke: Hughes is a star for the future

Cricket365
August 13, 2014

Australia captain Michael Clarke has urged batsman Phil Hughes not to lose heart, saying the young batsman has a bright future ahead of him despite not cracking the nod for the tour to Zimbabwe.

Hughes was not part of the 14-man ODI squad for the triangular series against the hosts and South Africa, and considering he'd scores a double ton, a ton and two fifties for Australia A in July alone, it came as a disappointment to the player.

But Clarke feels Hughes has the potential to play 100 Tests for the Baggy Green, already having 26 of those in the bag. Hughes has struggled to cement his place in the side, with some feeling the selectors have been overly harsh in dropping him three times, even after good performances.

Clarke told <i>ABC Radio</i>: "I think Hughesy is a really good example of someone who continues to score big runs. Look at his first-class record, he's probably got more hundreds than any other player at his age.

"He's making runs consistently for Australia A, so I think he's doing everything he can to be in the front of the selectors' minds.

"His performances speak for themselves. He's got a bright future. He's a 100-Test player in my opinion. He's just got to get an opportunity now and I'm sure he'll grab it with both hands.

"But I think in 10 years from now, we'll be talking about Phillip Hughes as one of those players to play 100 Test matches for Australia. He's got the talent, he's got the work ethic.

"I guess what I love most about Hughesy is his passion and want to play for Australia. You ask him to do something, he'll do it if it helps him get in this Australian team.

"He's a good guy to have around the group. I've always liked him, I've got a lot of respect for him and I know he'll play a lot of cricket for Australia."