Hughes offers Bailey solace

Captain George Bailey found consolation in the performances of openers Phil Hughes and Aaron Finch, after Australia fell to a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa in Wednesday's tri-series ODI at the Harare Sports Club.
Captain George Bailey found consolation in the performances of openers Phil Hughes and Aaron Finch, after Australia fell to a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa in Wednesday's tri-series ODI at the Harare Sports Club.
The Australians climbed to an impressive 327 for seven on the back of Finch's commanding century and complementary half-tons from Bailey and Hughes. The left-handed Hughes, selected ahead of spinner Nathan Lyon, largely justified the recall.
He struck eight boundaries en route to a confident 51. Finch, meanwhile, graduated to 102 – nine fours and a solitary six included. The vigils proved in vain, though, as centurions AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis carried the Proteas to success with 20 deliveries to spare.
"Hughes batted really well, and particularly once we were sent in I thought that was a really important start for us. It was a little bit challenging at the start and I thought those guys got us off and running," said Bailey.
"They've been pretty consistent. Hughes has had limited opportunities but keeps putting his hand up. Finch seems to be getting better and better, and it was great to see him go on and turn that into a ton.
"That's something that we've spoken about, and he'd be pretty satisfied with that. I think that's the challenge for all of our top-order players – to get tons. As you saw in the chase, it makes it so much easier when you get someone you can bat around for the majority of the innings."
The Aussies will face Zimbabwe at the same venue on Sunday, when the temptation to field an unchanged XI might see all-rounder Ben Cutting and spinner Nathan Lyon remain sidelined.
Latest
-
News
Darren Stevens ‘looking forward to the ‘next chapter’ as his Kent innings ends
The all-rounder will leave Kent after 17 years at the end of the season.
-
News
Darren Stevens announces his retirement at the age of 46
The all-rounder’s 17-year stint at Kent will end later this year.
-
The Hundred
Hundred history-maker Will Smeed: ‘I very much still want to play everything’
The rising star of the white-ball game could be on England’s radar.
-
The Hundred
Lauren Winfield-Hill stars as Oval Invincibles begin title defence with big win
The home side defeated the Northern Superchargers by nine wickets.
-
News
Sam Curran the main man as Oval Invincibles beat Northern Superchargers
Curran scored 60 in his side’s three-wicket win at the Kia Oval.
-
England
England opener Alex Lees keen to see aggressive approach adopted in county game
The Durham batter has used the break in Test cricket to spread the word.
-
The Hundred
‘It was awesome’ – Will Smeed ends his 90s curse to hit Hundred’s first century
The youngster had fallen short of a maiden century on multiple occasions during the first half of 2022.
-
The Hundred
Will Smeed becomes first batter to hit ton in Hundred during Birmingham win
The opener cracked an unbeaten 101 off 50 balls.
-
England
Women’s game on upward trend and schools an important target – Anya Shrubsole
The 30-year-old pace bowler was restricted to competing against boys during childhood.