Cricket
Hughes signs for whole season

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AUSTRALIAN opener Phil Hughes says he cannot wait to link up with his new Worcestershire teammates after confirming he will spend the whole of next season at New Road.

The 23-year-old left hander was due to join the County in June but has now extended his contract and will be available for the entire campaign, starting in April.

Hughes will be desperate to try and force his way back into the Australian Test side after being dropped at the end of the recent series against New Zealand, so will be hoping to pile up the runs for the LV= County Championship Division One side.

Hughes said: "I'm thrilled to have been able to agree terms with Worcestershire to extend my 2012 contract to the full County season. I haven't played a full season of domestic cricket for more than two years and I can't wait to get to England and meet my new teammates. I've heard so many positive things about their structure, environment and wicket which are all really favourable for what I want to achieve in the coming 12 months."

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes said the club had initially hoped to sign Hughes for the whole season so were delighted he was now able to do so.

"It will give the dressing room a real boost. Having spoken to Phil he views playing a full English season as a fantastic opportunity to score plenty of runs and in turn, it is hoped this will bring success to the team. We are looking forward to him joining up with the squad at the start of April for what will be an exciting 2012 season."