Australia are confident Phil Hughes can come back from the effects of his bouncer barrage to deliver in the first Ashes Test.

The 20-year-old left-hander was tipped as one of the new stars of Australia's line-up during the forthcoming series, following a highly-successful spell with Middlesex at the start of the season when he averaged 128.5 in three championship matches.

But expectations of Hughes' effectiveness have been tempered after he was twice dismissed cheaply by a short-pitched assault from fast bowler Steve Harmison during the recent match against England Lions at Worcester.

Low on confidence

It has left Hughes facing a major crisis of confidence as he approaches Wednesday's opening npower Test in Cardiff, but opening partner Simon Katich has no doubts he has the character to come through it and play a major innings this week.

"The South Africans did that in South Africa and obviously he had a lot of success there," said Katich.

"Unfortunately the other day he got a couple of good balls and that happens at the top of the order.

"He didn't do a huge amount of wrong in the second innings - the ball just kept on coming back at him and I think he will go away in the next few days and sort out what he has to do to counter that.

"There's no doubt that England will come at him with those plans after seeing it happen last week in Worcester, but I'm sure he's good enough and his temperament is good enough for him to withstand that battle."

England have chosen to overlook Durham fast bowler Harmison for this week's Test and instead kept faith with county teammate Graham Onions, giving the responsibility of unsettling Hughes to Stuart Broad and Andrew Flintoff.

Harmison exclusion no surprise

Harmison's exclusion was not greeted with much surprise in the Australian camp despite captain Ricky Ponting claiming he had the attributes to finish as "one of the all-time greats."

Katich stressed: "We weren't really surprised. He had a very good match last week and bowled beautifully, but at the same time Graham Onions has done a pretty good job for them.

"I think their selectors knew what they wanted and have picked accordingly, but I thought both of them bowled well against us last week and it's a long Test series so anything can happen."

Historical Test

The tourists are equally philosophical about the controversial award of the first Test to Cardiff, which is yet to stage a Test of any description, rather than more established venues.

Four years ago Australia began their Ashes campaign in Lord's, but Katich said: "I think it's great to be part of history, it's the first Test in Cardiff all, of our guys are just looking forward to embracing that and we will get to Lord's next week anyway.

"I guess there probably is a little bit of anticipation and I guess that air of the unexpected of not knowing what the wicket is going to be like because there's not been Test played here in the past - all we can go on is results in county cricket."