Hayden and Langer to counsel struggling Hughes

Edgbaston, July 31(ANI): Former Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden has said that he and Justin Langer would guide struggling opening batsman Phil Hughes, who has been dropped from the national team following dismal outings this season.

Hayden promised that he and Langer would shepherd Hughes and help him to make a strong comeback.

"Phil Hughes will be embraced by a strong opening partnership, Justin Langer and myself, who believe very strongly in providing support to opening partners," The Australian quoted Hayden, as saying.

"I am looking forward to sitting down with Phil and trying to pass on as much experience as I possibly can," he added.

Meanwhile, Hayden has already started with his decision, as he and current opener Simon Katich, spoke at length to the struggling 21 year-old just before play was scheduled to start in the third Test at Edgbaston.

Earlier, Hughes had been hailed as Australia's new batting wonder child following two centuries on the tour of South Africa, but his inability to tackle short ball aimed at his body is proving to be his undoing in international cricket. (ANI)