Selectors opt for Hughes: reports

Comeback kid ... Phil Hughes looks to have got the nod to replace Ricky Ponting. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Twice-dropped top order batsman Phil Hughes is reportedly set to be recalled to the Test team to replace retired champion Ricky Ponting for the Sri Lanka series.

November 20 2007 - Makes NSW debut at age 18

2007/08 Pura Cup final - Scores a quick-fire second innings 116 to help the Blues to victory

February 26 2009 - Makes Test debut in Johannesburg

March 6 2009 - Makes first Test hundred in Durban, before adding a second ton in the second innings

2009 Ashes series - Dropped after being found out by short-pitched bowling

2010/11 Ashes series - Recalled for Third Test to replace injured Simon Katich

Sri Lanka 2011 - Looks to cement spot with 126 in Colombo

2011 v New Zealand - Dropped after two Test series following four dismissals in a row caught at slip by Martin Guptill off the bowling of Chris Martin for low scores.

December 2012 - Set for recall to Test side to replace Ricky Ponting

News Limited newspapers are reporting that Hughes has won favour for the vacant No.3 position in front of the likes of Usman Khawaja, Rob Quiney and Tasmania's Alex Doolan.

His name will be read out on Thursday when the squad for next week's first Test in Hobart is announced.

It will mark a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the one-time wonderkid of Australian cricket, after he trudged away from last year's Hobart Test against New Zealand with his cricket career in ruins.

After a series of humiliating dismissals, caught at second slip off the bowling of Chris Martin, it looked a long way back for the young prodigy, who had burst onto the international scene with a hundred in just his second Test in South Africa.

His second dumping from the Test side inside two years forced Hughes to completely strip back his technique and start from scratch with batting coach Neil D'Costa.

A change of environment was next, with Hughes turning his back on his home state of NSW at the end of last season, in favour of a switch to South Australia under the tutelage of Darren Berry.

And the move has paid dividends, with Hughes averaging 51.8 in Sheffield Shield for the Redbacks this season.

The pint-sized left-hander has twice had his technique unravelled by a Test attack - first in an Ashes series in England, then in last season's home Test summer against New Zealand.

But the selectors have kept their faith with the 24-year-old and will have that faith put to the test starting next Friday.

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Selectors opt for Hughes: reports

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