 Hughes played minor cricket for New South Wales Colts, scoring 69 and 60 not out against Queensland Colts in 1951-52,
but his first-class debut came in May 1953 when he appeared for Worcestershire against Cambridge University at Fenner's.He played purely as a batsman, as the keeper's spot was taken by George Mills, making one of his two first-class appearances.Hughes made 1 and 15*.