INCUMBENCY is dead. Australia's cricketers are on red alert as up to 17 players embark on a dogfight to make the XI for the first Ashes Test.
Selector Greg Chappell put the elder statesmen in the middle order on notice that generational change will be implemented soon.
Michael Clarke rated Phillip Hughes a better batsman now than when he was peeling off Test hundreds last year and placed him at the top of the queue to enter the side anywhere in the top six before or during the Ashes.
"The Ashes is such a massive series and you're going to have so many guys pushing for spots when we get home," Clarke said.
Anyway, anyhow, anywhere for Phil Hughes
PHIL Hughes is Australia's reserve Test opening batsman.
Vice-captain Michael Clarke reckons he should also be the back-up to Nos.3, 4, 5 and 6.
"I still see him as a player of the future who is going to get his opportunity probably sooner rather than later."
"I watched him bat just about every session over here in the nets and he's in really good touch," he said.
"I'm sure if he gets a chance during this Ashes series he will grab it with both hands."
