Australia's top-order rock Simon Katich yesterday gave the strongest indication yet he will be fit to face England's quicks when the Ashes start on November 25, and his confidence was shared by national selector Andrew Hilditch.
Hilditch dismissed suggestions Katich was in doubt for the first Test.
''I wouldn't have thought so,'' he said. ''He played both Tests in India with exactly the same injury that he's got now, but it did concern him in India so we're taking a pretty conservative approach.''
Katich's likely availability means Hughes will have to be satisfied partnering Watson wearing the baggy blue of NSW rather than the baggy green. But national selectors, despite axing the 21-year-old from the Test side during last year's Ashes series, clearly still have lofty targets for Hughes.
'To be able to live here and play here is something that fits my life so perfectly. It's different for a Queenslander representing NSW but I'm very lucky to be out there.''
There could be as many as 16 players with international experience at the SCG this week, including nine for NSW. Khawaja, Mark Cameron and Trent Copeland are yet to play for their country but have experience with A squads.
The high-class Blues batting line-up will face a stern test from Victoria's attack, regarded by many as the best in state cricket.
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