Worcestershire have signed Australia opener Phil Hughes for the latter half of the 2012 season.

The 23-year-old, who had a short spell with Hampshire last year, has scored over 1,000 runs in 16 Tests for his country, though captain Michael Clarke yesterday hinted the left-hander could be dropped after a poor run of scores against New Zealand and South Africa.

Hughes said: ''I'm absolutely thrilled to be heading back to England in 2012. Worcestershire is a quality organisation and I can't wait to meet my new team-mates and re-acquaint myself with English conditions."