Katich confident about Hughes's mental strength

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London, July 8(ANI): Australian batsman Simon Katich, who is Phillip Hughes's captain at New South Wales, has said that he had initially doubted the then 18-year-old's Hughes talent in 2007

Katich said he and Cricket NSW chief executive David Gilbert had heated arguments over Hughes in 2007, where Katich believed that Hughes was not ready for first-class cricket - as he could not handle the short ball, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

However, when Hughes scored an undefeated 51 on Sheffield Shield debut, Katich's fears were dispelled.

Now, despite Hughes being dismissed cheaply by two bouncers by Steve Harmison in the practice match, Katich is not worried about Hughes's mental strength.

"There's no doubt England will come at him with those plans after seeing it happen last week at Worcester, but I am sure his temperament is good enough to withstand that battle," Katich said.

"He has had people bouncing him his whole life. I think what's been largely ignored is that fact he received two absolute rippers from Steve Harmison, who on his day is a Test matchwinner," he added. (ANI)