SYDNEY: Phil Hughes is looking to score another century in Sunday’s second one-day international against Sri Lanka after becoming the first Australian in the format’s history to hit a ton on debut.
Hughes’ sparkling 112 in the series opener in Melbourne Friday helped Australia (305 for 5) overpower Sri Lanka to post a 107-run win and the diminutive left-hander is looking for a repeat on the batting-friendly Adelaide Oval pitch.
“The team manager came up and told me when I got out. It’s flattering to hear that,” Hughes said after becoming the eighth player ever to achieve the feat.
“There’s been some great players before me. My confidence is quite high.
“I really can’t wait to get there on Sunday and hopefully score another big one and set up another win.
“First game, so I had a few nerves there. It was nice to get the three figures on debut today.” The former NSW opener has made a big success of his switch to play in South Australia this southern summer, which helped him regain his Test place.
Hughes shared a 140-run partnership for the third wicket with stand-in skipper George Bailey (89).
Australia’s selectors had rested skipper Michael Clarke, opener David Warner and wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Wade for the first two matches while vice-captain Shane Watson is recovering from a calf injury.
“There’s some pretty good horses (players) left out of it so I think they’ll be right,” Bailey said when asked if the rested players could get back into the side.
“It was a really great team effort to stand up on the back of some criticism from outsiders and some people who weren’t sure if we were up to it.
Hughes wants more after ton on ODI debut
