Shuffling frustrates Hughes

Australian batsman Philip Hughes has admitted that the constant shuffling of his position in the batting order is “mentally frustrating” and he is most comfortable opening.

“I don’t mind where I bat but when you do bat one to six, mentally it can be frustrating. At times it can be tough to get your head around the different positions but you’ve just got to get on with it and that’s the bottom line. Opening is something that I’m very comfortable with. I’ve done it for a number of years,” Hughes was quoted as saying in the Sydney Morning Herald.

The left-handed batsman has failed to make an impact in the ongoing Ashes series barring the 84 not out he scored in the first Test.

“It is about opportunity as well. If you do get one position you do want to nail it down. I haven’t nailed it down and that’s why they have mixed it up and given people an opportunity. That’s how it has been for this tour,” said Hughes, who also scored 86 in the tour game against Sussex.

The third Test begins at Manchester on Aug 1.