Cricket: Opener ready, just in case

LEEDS - Discarded Australian opener Phillip Hughes says he is still preparing for next week's Ashes cricket series decider at The Oval just in case he is needed.

The 20-year-old's trip to Britain hasn't gone to plan, arriving as one of the most exciting batsmen on the planet only to be dumped after just three innings in the Ashes series.

His replacement Shane Watson has quickly nailed down the opening spot with three straight half centuries but Hughes said he remained in a positive frame of mind.

"The big thing is the tour's not over yet," he said.

"There's still two more games left - a tour game and the last test.

"I'm not thinking my tour's over.

"I'm going to stay positive and think to go into every game. I'm going to go to training, prepare to play.

"There's going to be 16 guys that are going to do that.

"Personally that's what I've been doing the last couple of weeks, just prepare like you're going to play.

"You just never know what's going to happen."

The little left-hander made 68 at Northampton in his last innings before being dropped for the third test at Edgbaston in favour of Watson.

Hughes said he was naturally disappointed to have been axed and would tinker with his game to ensure he makes the most of his next test opportunity.

Meanwhile, England batsman Kevin Pietersen's recovery from an Achilles injury has been delayed due to a complication following surgery. The 29-year-old right-hander was ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series following surgery after the second test against Australia.

Once the test series is over, England play Australia in a one-off Twenty20 international on September 1, followed by a seven-match one-day international series starting on Sept-ember 4.

They then travel to South Africa to compete in the Champions Trophy, starting with a match against Sri Lanka on September 25.

- AAP