Apparently four out of five people don’t keep their New Year’s resolutions, but Australian batsman Phil Hughes is sick of being part of negative statistics.
Already on his third life in the Australian top order, Hughes is determined to avoid being involved in a third run-out in as many matches.
The dead rubber Test against Sri Lanka in Sydney starting on Thursday represents a homecoming for NSW-born Hughes.
But the 24-year-old, who switched to South Australia this summer, has no time for romanticising what this match means for him.
Aware he’s still a long way from cementing the No.3 position for Australia, Hughes is concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other – starting with no more run-outs.
In Hobart, he was involved in a mix-up that claimed David Warner and, in Melbourne, he was sent on his way after failing to run when called through by Ed Cowan.
The technical changes he has made to his batting have Hughes confident he’s here to stay in the Australian team.
But it’s imperative he fixes his jitters between the wickets if he’s to flourish.
“It’s something we’ve spoken about and hopefully it never happens again,” Hughes said on Tuesday.
“Getting run out in Test cricket is not a good feeling.
“I feel quite settled. Being run out is not ideal but to contribute in the first Test (in Hobart with 86) was a good feeling.
“Hopefully If I do get in in this Test match, I will go on and get a real big one.”
Hughes evidently has mixed feelings about his return to the SCG.
He made a truckload of runs there for NSW in Sheffield Shield cricket, but recognises that his shift to Adelaide Oval this year with the Redbacks was a change that needed to happen.
Most people in and around Australian cricket can’t help but talk about the Ashes.
However, Hughes knows better than to look so far ahead.
Mike Hussey’s retirement will put even greater pressure on the young left-hander and it’s one of many variables Hughes must deal with before he can even think about boarding a plane to the UK in July.
“I’ll worry about one game first. You hear a lot about the Ashes, there’s a lot of hype around but it’s this Test match and I want to do my best here,” he said.
“I’ve always said I never like looking far forward. Things can pop up.
“There is a lot of cricket in the back of my mind but I just need to keep it very simple first.
“I really want to make this three position my own.”
AAP bh/ajw/wk