HUGHES_IS_BACK_07FEB94

Fit-again Hughes to add bite to Australian attack By Peter Deeley in Sydney Two names missing from the Test scorecard here are likely to play a significant part in deciding the outcome of the back-to-back Australia-South Africa Test series when the second half gets under way - and it could well be a "battle of the wounded knees". Allan Border and his side, including a fit and rested Merv Hughes, leave tonight for the first Australian visit to the Republic in 24 years. Border believes Hughes's aggression will provide the edge sometimes lacking from Australia's attack during the series which was drawn 1-1 here. Neither Paul Reiffel nor Glenn McGrath - who were given the job of partnering Craig McDermott with the new ball - produced the fire of which Hughes showed he is still capable in England last summer. Hughes broke down at the end of the Ashes series with a serious knee injury and did not play again until last month, coming through without any ill-effects. Border said: "Merv always lets you know you are in a contest and a lot of tail-enders don't like facing him." Meanwhile in South Africa, Brett Schultz, the burly left-arm quick bowler very much in Hughes's mode, is due to make a return to first-class cricket this weekend for Eastern Province. Like Hughes, Schultz, 23, has been troubled with a knee injury which required surgery after an outstanding Test series in Sri Lanka where he claimed 20 wickets at just over 16 apiece. South Africa hoped he would be fit for the tour of Australia but Schultz broke down again at the end of December and remained at home. In his absence Fanie de Villiers made his Test debut, partnering Allan Donald, and his success has guaranteed him the position of firstchange when Schultz comes back. Border says that from hints dropped in the field by some South African players he is expecting some "green tops" to be prepared for the three Tests - which take place next month in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Such a move, he believes, would be intended primarily to nullify the threat from leg-spinner Shane Warne. But Mike Procter, the South African coach, said such talk was mere speculation. "I don't know where that came from," he said. "When we played India we won only one Test and played on four very good wickets. Groundsmen must prepare pitches that are suitable for their conditions." (Thanks: The Daily Telegraph)