Australian opener Phil Hughes hammered his third century in successive county championship matches on Thursday as he extended his inside-knowledge of the English game ahead of the Ashes.
The 20-year-old New South Welshman, who is playing for Middlesex on a six-week deal, plundered an unbeaten 134 from just 166 balls to lead his county to 200 for two in the Division Two match against Surrey at The Oval.
He also hit 21 fours and dominated an opening stand of 165 with Billy Godleman (37).
Hughes even managed to get under the nose of fiery South African pace bowler Andre Nel whom he cut for successive boundaries to reach his century.
Nel was so enraged that he then sent down a high full toss which Hughes did well to fend away.
The Australian immediately protested to Nel who then apologised before going up to the batsman at the end of the over and putting an arm around his shoulders.
Earlier Mark Ramprakash could add just seven to his overnight 126, but Chris Schofield chipped in with 47 as Surrey were all out for 388.
