(BBC) Opener Phillip Hughes finally showed some form with the bat as Australia opened up a 221-run lead on day two of their tour match against Northants yesterday. Resuming on 231-3, Shane Watson (84) and Mike Hussey (75 no) both impressed before Australia declared on 308-8. Peter Siddle, Stuart Clark and Watson then shared seven wickets but Mitchell Johnson’s problems continued as Northants posted 226-7 declared. Hughes (65 no) and Andrew McDonald (69 no) then shared a stand of 139.
But Hughes could still find his place under threat while Johnson is another who will nervously await the announcement of the Australia team to face England at Edgbaston for the third Test. If either or both are dropped then Clark and Watson appear most likely to come in, especially given their performances at Northampton. Hughes hit some fine if eccentric shots but still looked vulnerable to the short ball, while Johnson could only reflect on a hapless spell of seven wicketless overs for 42 runs.
If Johnson is dropped then Clark is ready to take over and put the disappointment of missing out on selection at Cardiff and at Lord’s.
Clark appeared to put himself in the frame for Cardiff after battling back from an elbow injury but has so far failed to feature in the series which Australia trail 1-0 after defeat at Lord’s.