South Africa spy on Hughes

Phillip Hughes might feel he is part of a reality TV show during Australia's tour game in Potchefstroom from Friday, with the South Africans sending a cameraman specifically to tape the new opening batsman. Hughes is only 20 and so fresh that the home side's analysts don't have any footage of him.

Matthew Hayden's retirement has given Hughes a chance and he will partner Simon Katich during the three Tests. "We obviously know Phil Hughes is a very skilful and talented player but I'm going to have to send a spy down to Potch on Friday so we can have a proper look at him," Arthur told the Sydney Morning Herald. "I don't have any video footage of him now but I certainly will have footage of him after this weekend.

"Our video analysis chap will be hiding behind the sightscreen in Potch with his camera. If you see a guy behind the sightscreen getting some filming done, you know who it is. I am sending him down.

"Phil Hughes hasn't been around that long and we don't have a lot of information on him. There are some different faces in this Australian team, and Phil Hughes is the major one for us. I want to know some more and I will by Sunday." Hughes is not that well known outside of New South Wales after playing 17 first-class games over two seasons and scoring 1570 runs at 60.38.

Bryce McGain, the legspinner who missed the team flight on Monday, is another new face, but Arthur met him in Melbourne during the season. "When we were in Australia, we had only just finished training at the MCG ... and I recognised this guy who came walking into the nets," Arthur said. "He introduced himself and it was Bryce McGain.

"He came in with a whole bag full of balls and wanted to have one net to himself out on the side. He went over and went through his routines, did his practising. I recognised the face when he started walking over and when he said his name was Bryce McGain, my ears pricked up a bit. I actually went and stood behind the net and watched him for about 15 minutes."

Arthur said McGain "looked quite useful". "He looked like he could control a game or be an attacking option," Arthur said. "He bowled a good googly. I was impressed, to be honest."