Hughes called up by Australia A

Phillip Hughes' fine form in county cricket has helped win him a call-up into the Australia A side to side to play England Lions at Edgbaston, following an injury to Peter Forrest.

Hughes, 23, who is in England playing for Worcestershire as their overseas player, scored a century at the same ground this week and became the first Worcestershire opener to carry his bat in a first-class game since 2008. He is leading the club's averages in all formats of the game, with a first-class average of 45.12, a T20 average of 100.50 and a List A average of 97.80.

Kevin Sims, Australia's A rehabilitation manager, said: "Peter Forrest sustained a minor side strain in the match against the England Lions at Old Trafford and with only one match remaining we have decided to send him home to prepare for the upcoming season."

Hughes, who has not played Test cricket since December, missed out on the original selection for the A tour, but has continued to work on his technique after it was exposed at the top level. His century against a strong Warwickshire attack this week was his first in first-class cricket since September.

His call-up is not such good news for Worcestershire. Sitting at the foot of the Division One table, they are already struggling for reliable batsmen and face an uphill battle to avoid relegation. Hughes will miss their Championship match against fellow strugglers Lancashire at New Road, but should be back ahead of the CB40 game against Leicestershire.

The first unofficial Test of the two-match series between Australia A and England Lions ended in a draw. The second begins at Edgbaston on Tuesday.