Strategies against Hughes

To begin with there is no doubt that Hughes has started very well as a batsman and is going to be a threat to the opposition teams in the days to come, so what can the opposition bowlers do is the question.

Many experts do think that sustained short pitched bowling can be used against him as his technique of not covering the line indicates the tactic of bowling bouncers can be used but I don't buy that view as at present there are not many bowlers who can do that and when SA quick Steyn tried it Hughes was able to get away with that, yes he did not look comfortable but he showed the grit to play it well enough. So what else can be used against Hughes is the question.

I surely think that spin is an option against Hughes as he does play with hard hands and as he straightaway goes after the spinners with those slog sweeps. So I definitely think that England can take a chance and introduce Swann early on and make him bowl around the wicket which will make sure that Hughes has to hit against the turn when he tries those slog sweeps and I don't see him as someone who believes in taking quick singles which is expected as he does not play with soft hands.

Opposition teams can look at swing bowlers who pitch it up around the off stump as an option as Hughes does not like to play in the V but I do think the best option is to go with spinners.

Finally Hughes is an unorthodox player who with his success has definitely challenged the opposition teams to come up with some new plans and it will be interesting to as to see what the opposition teams will do to counter him.