It was 10 years ago, today, when the fatal delivery from Sean Abbott took the life of Phillip Hughes during a Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia in 2014 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Phillip Hughes, a talented left-handed batter, was only 25-year-old when he passed away on the cricket field after that unfortunate event. He was on 63 runs when a short-pitched delivery from Sean Abbott hit him on the neck and took his life. The entire cricketing fraternity was left in the state of shock. Every year on this day, tributes pour in from across the globe, with players, fans, and officials mourning the death of a bright young talent.
Sean Abbott, Whose Ball Hit Phillip Hughes, Breaks Down
Meanwhile, Sean Abbott was seen wiping away tears as family and friends paid tribute to the late Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes on Wednesday. NSW players consoled Abbott as they stood in line for an emotional tribute, which also included observing a one-minute silence , before the start of play on day four of their Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania at the SCG.
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Hughes, who played 26 Tests, 25 ODIs and one T20I for Australia, lost his life three days before his 26th birthday. In his memory, the players in the Sheffield Shield have been wearing black armbands in matches since Saturday as a tribute to Phillip.
“Today marks the 10-year anniversary of the passing of our treasured son and brother, Phillip Joel Hughes,” the family said in its message.
“Phillip was a loving, humorous and an infectious person to be around.” According to reports in local media, Abbott was consulted in advance about whether he would be comfortable with a match being scheduled on the anniversary of one of the most saddest moments in Australian sports.
The family further said, “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 shined bright even in the tough times, which is a testament to who he was as a person, and we loved everything about him.
“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.”
Cricket Australia had made special preparations in advance to mark the 10th anniversary of Phil Hughes’ death including a tribute before the start of the second Test match between the Indian cricket team and Australia at the Adelaide Oval scheduled from December 6-10.
The family further added: “Phillip, the small-town country boy, became an Australian Test, One-Day and Twenty-20 cricketer, where he played on the toughest pitches around the globe, alongside the toughest of cricketers on the world stage, but never forgot where he came from and who helped along the way,”
“He was a unique individual that took risky and adventurous strides to conquer the dreams he set for himself to become test baggy green number 408.
“He played cricket for all the right reasons and had the ability to take it all in his stride. He loved being a part of a team and representing Australia for the game he loved so deeply.”
Tributes Pour In For Phillip Hughes
The internet was filled with tributes to the late Phillip Hughes, who was admired for being a tough Australian cricketer. “Rest in peace” messages flooded “X” (formerly Twitter), with many users calling it one of the most heartbreaking days in cricket. Here are some of the reactions from the fans:
A decade since we lost Phil Hughes. Forever 63 not out #RIPPhilHughes pic.twitter.com/6FTvsHUvZn
— Thomas Miles (@TomCricket99) November 26, 2024
Will never ever forget the moment I found out Phil Hughes had passed away. Cannot believe it’s been 10 years. 63 not out forever.
— Ben De Conno (@bendec22) November 26, 2024
10 years ago today. The saddest day in Australian cricket. RIP Phil Hughes, forever 63 not out. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/veCtBh1Kzb
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) November 26, 2024
Phil Hughes. 10 years on. Wow. Still the saddest thing I’ve seen in sport in my life…. pic.twitter.com/RLAkp2JHuj
— Luke Doherty (@Luke_Doherty) November 26, 2024
10 years ago today. The most heartbreaking day in the world cricket. Rest in peace, Phil Hughes, forever 63 not out*. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/8Q2K8anMA6
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) November 26, 2024
10 years ago today. The saddest day in Australian cricket. RIP Phil Hughes, forever 63 not out. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/veCtBh1Kzb
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) November 26, 2024
Cricket Australia has made a special documentary about him, which will be shown before the second Test match between India and Australia, as part of a two-week celebration.
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