AUSTRALIA opener Phil Hughes says his prospects in the Ashes have been improved by his stint at Middlesex.

Left-handed opener Hughes, 20, spent six weeks with Middlesex and scored 882 runs in only 13 innings.

“The ball does swing late and the wickets are a lot slower in England,” said Hughes.

“There were a couple of things I picked up and a couple of things I’ve been working on just to keep my game intact for the series ahead.”

The first Ashes Test starts on July 8 and Hughes will be hoping to be a major player for his side.

He is a highly-rated talent who became the youngest player in Test history to score a century in both innings of a match when he played against South Africa in March.

“I won’t change my technique and I won’t come out and say what (I’ve been working on) but there have been a couple of things,” he added.

“I’d never been to England before and I thought if I get over there for a little stint (it would be beneficial).

“The preparation’s been great. I feel comfortable going into this series.

“I took 10 days completely off and spent time with my family and close friends and I’ve been back in training the last couple of weeks.

“There were a couple of things I wanted to work on and I feel very comfortable.”

Hughes is known for his attacking style of batting and will face the first ball of each Australia innings after striking a deal with fellow opener Simon Katich, who will field at short leg as his part of their agreement.

“I’m happy with that. You’re going to have to face a ball anyway,” said Hughes.

“I’ll face the ball first time every time. I’m a positive guy; that’s how I like to be.

“I don’t want to doubt myself because that’s when things can slip away.”(BBC Sport)