Cricket Australia (CA) is set to pay a special tribute to Philip Hughes on his 10-year death anniversary. On November 25, 2014, South Australia’s batter Hughes copped a blow to his neck by New South Wales’ bowler Sean Abbott’s bouncer at the SCG during a Sheffield Shield game.
Hughes was batting on 63* off 161, before being hit by the ball. He sustained a vertebral artery dissection that led to a subarachnoid haemorrhage, resulting in the death of the left-hander two days later.
Saturday’s Sheffield Shield round games will consist of three games and will witness flags flying at half-mast and players wearing black armbands to kickstart the two weeks of commemorations for Hughes. His former team, South Australia are set to clash with Western Australia in Adelaide, while New South Wales hosts Tasmania at the SCG and Queensland and Victoria will be up against each other at the Gabba from Sunday.
Apart from the armbands, a moment’s silence will also be observed before play on Day 4 of all three Sheffield Shield matches. The games starting from Wednesday will also coincide with Hughes’ actual date of death, November 27.
“We understand this will be a time of reflection for the many people who knew and admired Phillip Hughes,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said. “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 to showcase a documentary on Philip Hughes ahead of Adelaide test
In an unprecedented move, Cricket Australia has opted to honour Philip Hughes ahead of the Adelaide test. The second test between India and Australia will be played with a pink ball, and is scheduled to start on December 6.
CA has filmed a documentary on Hughes and has decided to celebrate the former cricketer’s legacy, while also inviting his family to the ground. The documentary will be broadcasted just before the day’s play in Adelaide.
Hughes made his international debut in a test fixture against South Africa at Johannesburg in February 2009. Although he was out on a duck in his first innings, the southpaw went on to slam 75 in the second innings and helped the side to win the game easily.
Interestingly, his next appearance saw him scoring his career-best 160. In 26 Tests, Hughes garnered 1,535 runs at an average of 32.65, with three centuries.
Meanwhile, Philip Hughes took part in 25 ODIs and scored 825 runs at an average of 35.91. He registered his best knock of 138* against Sri Lanka in 2013.
