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Australian batsmen Phillip Hughes.

AAP

INCUMBENT Test quick Graham Onions suggested England should pepper Macksville's Phillip Hughes with short-pitched bowling during the Ashes.

The 20-year-old came unstuck to a rip-snorter from giant paceman Steve Harmison for seven on the opening day of Australia's tour match against the England Lions in Worcester.

Onions, who is an outside chance of playing in next week's Ashes opener in Cardiff, believed the short left-hander could be exposed by such deliveries.

“He certainly did not look comfortable, did he?” said Onions. “So maybe that is something that people who have been watching on the tele, like (England coach) Andy Flower and the other guys ... they will have their own ideas to take into the first Test.”

The highly-rated South African pace attack earlier this year tried a similar approach to Hughes in the Republic and despite looking uncomfortable at times he enjoyed a prolific debut series.

His team-mate Mike Hussey had no concerns that it was a problem.

“I think he will be fine,” Hussey said.

“The great thing about Phil Hughes at the moment is that he is playing with a lot of freedom and no fear really.

“That is such a great asset to have so as long he keeps that clear mind and trusting his game and playing his way.

“It is very unorthodox but it is very effective for Phil Hughes.”