Hughes joins SA Redbacks

South Australia have launched their 2012/13 campaign, today signing classy New South Wales opening batsman, Phillip Hughes, on a three year contract.

The 23-year-old left handed batsman has a long history of success at Adelaide Oval, having made 475 runs in his three most recent Sheffield Shield visits to SA, including scores of 198 and 192.

Hughes has played 17 Test matches for Australia, averaging 34.58 and has made three centuries. He was the youngest player to score back to back centuries in the same match, in only his second Test.

Currently playing in England with Worcestershire, Hughes has also played 71 first-class matches, averaging 46.52 and has made 17 centuries.

Hughes said he was very excited to be making the move to South Australia, adding that the program presented by head coach Darren Berry was “everything that I am looking for”.

“The next two years are the most critical in my cricket career and I’m not going to leave any stone unturned to make sure I put myself back into contention to play again for Australia,” he said.

“Missing a CA contract this year is not the end of the world. In fact, in lots of ways it’s a new beginning,” he said.

He said the opportunity to play for Worcestershire in the UK over recent months had given him the chance to refine his skills and passion for the game.

“The organisation, their support of me and my ability to focus 100 per cent on my game has been a real eye opener and my form with the bat has obviously benefited from it. That’s what I expect the move to Adelaide to also do for me, and I can’t wait to get there and settle in,” Hughes said.

“I have huge respect for Tim Nielsen (Emerging Redbacks program head coach) and Jamie Cox (SACA director of cricket). They have both had a great influence on my international career to date.

“I’ve only spoken briefly to Darren Berry but he has a wonderful reputation around the traps. I’m also really keen to learn from Johan Botha. I’ve always admired him as a player and captain and have no doubt he will help me to become a better player.”

SACA Director of Cricket, Jamie Cox, said the opportunity to have a highly talented batsman with Australian experience was a great fit for the Redbacks.

“It is fantastic for us to bring in someone of Phillip’s quality, and it works hand in hand with the opportunity that he is also looking for,” Cox said.

“His record here at Adelaide Oval, playing against South Australia, is very good and we believe he will be a great asset for us at the top of the order.

“He is an extremely hard working cricketer who wants to succeed at the highest level again, and we believe that his determination and focus will be a great example for our young cricketers.”

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