Altered states for Test batting contenders
ED Cowan concedes that in- form Philip Hughes is likely to break back into the Australian Test team, but the incumbent opener does not intend to be the man to make way.
Cowan, 30, said he and Hughes, 23, could play in the side together despite many believing Hughes will replace Cowan should he fail to fire in the three-Test series against world No.1 South Africa.
‘‘Hughesy is such a good player that I know he’s always going to be scoring runs, but I feel with my game over the past couple of years of domestic cricket that I’m ready,’’ Cowan said.
‘‘I have scored a lot of runs to get to where I am, and Phil needs to be scoring a lot of runs as well.
‘‘There is nothing to say Phil Hughes and Ed Cowan can’t play in the same Test team, whether that’s opening or middle order.’’
Cowan will partner David Warner in the first Test against the Proteas starting November 9 in Brisbane.
Cowan’s average of 29.83 from seven Tests, with a highest score of 74, means he is the batsman under most pressure to perform.
Hughes has three centuries in 17 Tests and an average of 34.58.
But Cowan said: ‘‘I’m expecting to score some big runs this summer. Unfortunately the runs haven’t come just yet, but that’s the game.
‘‘I know in a month’s time my game has to be at its ab- solute peak. Everyone is playing for their career in a sense, because if you don’t perform in the Australian cricket team you’re back to Shield cricket.
‘‘I know it’s judgment day come November 9 and I’m really looking forward to that challenge.
‘‘It’s pretty simple – you score enough runs and you stay in the team.’’
Hughes, who could also pressure for a middle-order spot if he scores heavily for South Australia in the Shef- field Shield this summer, said time was on his side.
‘‘The beauty is I’m only 23. I’ve got a lot of years ahead of me, hopefully,’’ he said.
‘‘Professional cricket isn’t easy. It’s been a huge ride for me over the last couple of years.’’
Interestingly, two other contenders for spots in Australia’s batting card are Usman Khawaja and Peter Forrest, who like Cowan and Hughes are former NSW players who have moved to rival states.