18 April 2024 last updated at 15:13 GMT
 
Hughes confident of shifting gears
Friday 23 September 2011

New South Wales Blues batsman Phil Hughes is confident that he can successfully shift gears from Tests to the T20 format when his side take on Cape Cobra in Champions League Twenty20 on Saturday.

"I have been playing Test cricket in last four weeks. It is different but I got couple of days to see before the first game (of CLT20) coming up on Saturday. T20 is a different game but you got to adapt to it quickly," Hughes said.

"I had played T20 cricket and its different game and format. The preparation of our team is huge. They are pumped about to get out and play. With our 2009 title win in back of our minds, we need to fire from the first game," he added.

Fast bowler Brett Lee played a huge role in NSW's 2009 CLT20 title triumph but this time he is playing for Kolkata Knight Riders.

Asked who is likely to fill in Lee's role, Hughes said, "Brett had played a huge part for us in last CLT20. Paddy coming in and bowls some very good pace with 140/150."

On his experience in the Test series against Sri Lanka, he said, "It was tough to bat at a turning wicket on the fourth day (in the Test against Sri Lanka). Personally, I was very confident with the way I was batting. It was rewarding to get three figures score. It was a great experience."

Hughes started his career with two back to back hundreds on debut and then lost way. Asked about this, he said, "I have not been in the team during the last two and half years. 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 enjoying experience to make my third century in Tests after a long time. Probably during the last six months, I batted the best. I am looking to improve and I am working on my game."

ICC lacks strong leadership in current times: ex-CEO Lorgat
The former ICC boss said barring Khawaja's peace slogans on shoes showed ICC lacked consistency in applying its rules
Waugh warns cricket boards for ignoring Test cricket
Australia Great Warns ICC, BCCI Over 'Irrelevant Legacy'