Struggling Hughes gets Worcestershire boost

After Australia opener Phil Hughess ability was again called into question following another Test failure against New Zealand, Worcestershire announced they had signed him for the 2012 English county season.Hughes fell early on the fourth day of the second Test in Hobart on Monday as Australia collapsed to 233 all out, handing the Kiwis a dramatic seven-run win.The 23-year-old left-hander was again found out outside off-stump and was caught in the slips for 20 off seamer Chris Martins bowling for the fourth straight innings.His poor form -- Hughes scored 41 in four innings against New Zealand -- will intensify pressure on his spot ahead of the Test series with India, which starts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day.But Worcestershire hope Hughes, a prolific scorer with county rivals Middlesex two years ago, can carry on from where he left off when he returns to English domestic cricket.Although the county season starts in April, Hughes is not due at New Road until the first week of June but Worcestershire then expect him to stay until the campaign finishes in September.