New Delhi: It has been 10 years since the passing of Phillip Joel Hughes, a promising batting talent for Australia who could have been a showstopper for the nation in the current scenario.
The late cricketer was only 25 when he left for his heavenly abode and was only three days away from turning 26. Battling for his life for two days in the hospital, Hughes breathed his last on November 27, 2014, leaving his family and the cricket world grieving.
The left-handed batter was featuring in a domestic game for Sputh Australia and while on the crease, was struck by a bouncer bowled by pacer Sean Abbott. He was hit in an uncovered region below his left ear while going for a hook shot against the fast bowler at the Sudney Cricket Ground (SCG). Despite wearing a helmet, the impact proved fatal as he collapsed on the pitch and was rushed to the hospital.
Hughes was batting on 63 when he collapsed and was tried to be resuscitated with mouth-to-mouth but nothing worked. He underwent surgery and was placed in an induced coma. He didn’t regain consciousness from the time he collapsed and died two days later. It was followed by his emotional funeral attended by several international cricketers and many sending their condolences to Hughes’ family who dealt with the untimely death of their child.
Family pays emotional tribute
The Hughes family issued a statement on Wednesday, a decade after losing their ‘treasured son and brother’. ‘Today marks the 10-year anniversary of the passing of our treasured son and brother, Phillip Joel Hughes,’ the family said.
‘Phillip was a loving, humorous and an infectious person to be around. He always aimed to make those around him smile and enjoy the little things in life, where his beautiful smile would come to life. He was the light of our lives. Phillip had a profound love for his family and lived his life with respect to everyone around him,’ they added.
They further talked about his love for cricket and him making debut for Australia, bagging the baggy green, and his official biography, ‘Phillip Hughes The Official Biography’. The long statement talked in depth about his stints with different teams in the Australian cricket circuit.
‘We want to share our appreciation to everyone who has respected our privacy and wishes throughout the last decade and continuing to do so at this time. Thank you for being on this journey with Phillip, he loved taking everyone along with him on this ride, living out his childhood dreams.’
‘Phillip, we love you, we miss you and we are forever proud of you. We think about you every day and we are so thankful you were ours. Thank you for being the most extraordinary son and loving brother,’ the family concluded.
Netizens remember Phil Hughes
Internet was a no different place for late Phil Hughes as he was appreciated for being a tough Aussie cricketer. ‘Rest in peace’ comments flooded ‘X’ as the social media users called it the most heartbreaking day for cricket. Here are a few reactions.
Cricket Australia’s initiatives
Cricket Australia (CA) had planned several initiatives for the late cricketer who played 26 Test, 25 ODIs, and a single T20I game for Australia. He made his debut for the nation in 2009 in an Test game against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium. He was handed ODI debut in 2013 and played his only T20I game in October 2014.
CA’s initiative includes a tribute to him before the start of the second Test between India and Australia in Adelaide scheduled from December 6 to 10. The CA has also planned to honour Hughes during three of the Sheffield Shield games as players will wear black armbands and flags will be flying half-mast.
“We understand this will be a time of reflection for the many people who knew and admired Phillip Hughes. We wanted to ensure that the Hughes family, particularly, were comfortable with any commemorations and that we celebrate Phillip’s life and incredible achievements appropriately,” Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Nick Hockley said on Friday.