Durban (South Africa), Mar.9 (ANI): Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has described talented young opener Phil Hughes as a joy to watch.
Hughes, 20, has scored 326 runs already in Australia's Test tour of South Africa, and became the youngest player in history to score a century in each innings of a Test in Durban overnight.
He followed up his first innings 115 with an unbeaten 136 to break West Indian George Headley's record set against England in 1930 and move Australia to 3 for 292 at stumps on day three of the second Test.
That gave Australia an overall lead of 506 as it seeks to seal a 2-0 win against the Proteas in the best-of-three series.
Hughes made a duck in his first innings in Johannesburg, but then responded with a half century before making two tons in this match.
"I think we saw glimpses of his ability and his hunger for runs in the second innings down in Johannesburg. It was a not the ideal start for him, a fourth ball duck for him I think in his first innings in Test cricket, but the way he's responded and bounced back from that and he's really taken on the challenge against a good bowling attack.
"It's been something to sit back and watch, it's been enjoyable," ABC News quoted Ponting, as saying.
Hughes admitted setting records was not on his mind out in the middle, but says he was thrilled to better Hedley's 79-year-old milestone."I'd heard of him. But you know it's a great feeling to break that record it's definitely a great feeling," he said.
Hughes has lived up to the high expectations of his great potential after being hand picked to replace veteran opener Matthew Hayden at the top of Australia's order.
The New South Wales player says he is delighted to be performing so well against the number two Test side in the world.
Ponting says he will wait until later today before deciding when to declare with the tourists in a dominant position over the Proteas with two days remaining.
He says while the weather may still play a part in his decision, he is hoping to force South Africa to spend more time in the field. (ANI)
Hughes, 20, has scored 326 runs already in Australia's Test tour of South Africa, and became the youngest player in history to score a century in each innings of a Test in Durban overnight.
He followed up his first innings 115 with an unbeaten 136 to break West Indian George Headley's record set against England in 1930 and move Australia to 3 for 292 at stumps on day three of the second Test.
That gave Australia an overall lead of 506 as it seeks to seal a 2-0 win against the Proteas in the best-of-three series.
Hughes made a duck in his first innings in Johannesburg, but then responded with a half century before making two tons in this match.
"I think we saw glimpses of his ability and his hunger for runs in the second innings down in Johannesburg. It was a not the ideal start for him, a fourth ball duck for him I think in his first innings in Test cricket, but the way he's responded and bounced back from that and he's really taken on the challenge against a good bowling attack.
"It's been something to sit back and watch, it's been enjoyable," ABC News quoted Ponting, as saying.
Hughes admitted setting records was not on his mind out in the middle, but says he was thrilled to better Hedley's 79-year-old milestone."I'd heard of him. But you know it's a great feeling to break that record it's definitely a great feeling," he said.
Hughes has lived up to the high expectations of his great potential after being hand picked to replace veteran opener Matthew Hayden at the top of Australia's order.
The New South Wales player says he is delighted to be performing so well against the number two Test side in the world.
Ponting says he will wait until later today before deciding when to declare with the tourists in a dominant position over the Proteas with two days remaining.
He says while the weather may still play a part in his decision, he is hoping to force South Africa to spend more time in the field. (ANI)
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