/ 8 March 2009

Phillip Hughes revels in ‘special moment’

Australian opening batsman Phillip Hughes said scoring twin centuries against South Africa in just his second Test was an unforgettable experience.

”It’s something I’ll never forget, a very special moment,” Hughes told a news conference on Sunday after his 136 not out steered Australia to 292 for three and a lead of 506 after the third day of the second Test.

Having gone to his maiden Test century in the first innings with successive sixes, Hughes found it tougher to reach three figures on Sunday.

”Every day is different and today I had to grind it out, tough it out. I was determined not to give it away after I got a start,” the 20-year-old said.

Hughes said he employed a change in approach in comparison to the first innings, when he blazed 115 off 151 balls.

”I thought Paul Harris bowled beautifully into the rough. A few balls were spitting and going everywhere, so I had to be very patient and just sit on him. It was a great contest.”

JP Duminy said the hosts would need to approach the last two days of the Test with a positive attitude if they are to save the match.

”We are a bit run-down, but we have the character to come back with a good performance tomorrow. If we come out with a positive attitude, who knows what might happen. Gary Kirsten scored 275 here to save a Test against England and we have the capability to do that. We have the top five and Mark Boucher to cope with the situation,” Duminy said.

Australia won the first test by 162 runs and will win the three-match series if they triumph in the second Test. – Reuters