Run-machine Phil Hughes can definitely thrive in the pivotal first-drop batting spot in Australia’s Test team, South Australia captain Johan Botha says.
While Hughes has played all his 17 Tests as an opener, Botha has no doubt the in-form left-hander will perform in any slot if recalled for the looming three-Test series against Sri Lanka.
“Definitely, Hughes has opened before and batted three,” Botha told AAP.
“If they move him down the order and Australia is two or three down early, he has done that before.
“And if the ball is a bit soft, it’s great for him because he does play aggressively. He puts the bad balls away and that is what you want to see in the middle order.
“Phil can do any job.”
Hughes, almost a year after being axed from the Test side, is favoured to fill the No.3 spot for Australia with coach Mickey Arthur signalling Shane Watson will drop to No.4 in the wake of Ricky Ponting’s retirement.
Hughes has scored more Sheffield Shield runs than anyone this season and is second-highest scorer in the one-day competition, but his run spree hasn’t surprised South African-born Botha, captaining the Redbacks for the first time this season.
“His record before he came to us (from NSW) has been excellent. We have seen glimpses in Test cricket, he has got hundreds at Test level,” Botha said.
“And everyone in our squad knows what he can do and how good he really is.
“When he gets that call up, he thoroughly deserves it.
“It might not be now, but it will happen.”