Hughes called in as cover for Simon Katich

Sydney:

Australia on Saturday brought in opening batsman Phillip Hughes as cover for the injured Simon Katich for the second Test against Pakistan beginning from Sunday at the SCG.

"Hughes is flying from Melbourne to Sydney today to join up with the Australian squad," a Cricket Australia release said.

National Selection Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch said a decision on the final XI will be taken only on Sunday.

"The NSP has taken the opportunity to add Phillip Hughes to the Australian squad as cover for Simon Katich, who is struggling from the injury to his arm sustained during the Test at the MCG. A decision on the final make up of the Test team will be taken in the morning," he said.

Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris, said Katich was recovering but still had difficulty in batting.

"Simon Katich sustained a similar injury to Ricky Ponting when he was struck on the right elbow during the second innings of the first 3 mobile Test at the MCG.

"While he has made some improvement since the end of that game he's still having difficulty batting. As such we'll have a final assessment of his batting tomorrow morning," he said.