R.I.P Phil Hughes (1988-2014)

[rhugh89]

Cricket NSW Mourns the passing of Phillip Hughes

Thursday, 27 November 2014

​

Cricket NSW Chairman John Warn and Chief Executive Andrew Jones have expressed their deepest sympathy to the Hughes family following the tragic death of Phillip Hughes today aged 25.

“The entire NSW cricket community offers our heartfelt condolences to Phillip’s mother and father Virginia and Greg, sister Megan and brother Jason at this most difficult of times,” Mr Warn said.

“Their grief is being felt across the country and around the cricket world as the extended cricket family comes to terms with the sad loss of a very popular and talented young player.

“Phillip touched so many people playing for NSW, Australia, South Australia, county cricket in England and the IPL in India.

“A lovable, quiet and affectionate young man from the farming community of Macksville, Phillip has left an indelible impression on the game as a player and a person.”

Mr Jones said the NSW players and staff were thinking of Phillip’s family.

“So many in the NSW cricket family know Greg, Virginia, Jason and Megan personally.

“It is tragic that Phillip has been taken from them so young.

“He reflected their strong country values and warmth as a loving, caring family.

“Phillip is fondly remembered as a bright and cheeky young man with an infectious smile who emerged as an outstanding junior more than a decade ago.

“Like so many NSW and Australian players before him, Phillip moved to Sydney to play Grade Cricket and found a home at Western Suburbs.

“He rose quickly through the ranks, debuting for NSW and scoring a century in a Sheffield Shield final at 19.

“For all his good humour he took cricket very seriously and always worked tremendously hard at his game.

“Despite being in and out of the Australian team during his emerging years Phillip never complained when he was dropped or overlooked.

“He always focused on making himself a better player.

“It was typical of Phillip that he was fighting his way back into the national team again with a fine innings for South Australia against NSW at the SCG last Tuesday before suffering a freak accident.

“Phillip had already scored 26 first class centuries and his best cricket was ahead of him.

“It is unspeakably sad he cannot now achieve his potential in the game.”

From 2007 to 2012 Phillip Hughes played 37 Sheffield Shield matches for NSW scoring 3288 runs at an average of 53 with 10 centuries.

He also played 30 one-day matches for the state, making 994 runs at 38.

Cricket NSW asks that the privacy of the Hughes family, players and staff be respected.


http://www.cricketnsw.com.au/news/news-archive/2014/11/27/a-tribute-to-phil-hughes

 

[Junior11]

Absolutely devastating. So incredibly sad. Rest in peace and thoughts are with his friends and family.

 

[rhugh89]

Dr Brukner says Hughes's sister megan spent time with the young bowler, Sean Abbott

"Sean came to the hospital yesterday. He has been receiving a lot of support from Cricket NSW and his team-mates.

"When he came to the hospital yesterday, Michael Clarke came down and spent a significant amount of time with him, and then Phillip's sister, Megan also came and deliberately spent significant time with Sean.

"Obviously what Sean has gone through is an incredibly traumatic experience, as it has been for everyone who was present on the field on that day, and Sean is receiving all possible support from Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia, and his team-mates."

Statement form Michael Clarke on behalf of the Hughes family

“We are devastated by the loss of our much loved son and brother Phillip.

“It’s been a very difficult few days and we appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

“Cricket was Phillip’s life and we as a family share that love of the game with him.

“We would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at St Vincent’s Hospital and Cricket NSW medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you.”

 

[rhugh89]

New Zealand Cricket shocked and saddened by death of Phillip Hughes

Posted Thursday, 27 November, 2014 in Corporate News

Update 8.45pm - BLACKCAPS statement on passing of Phillip Hughes

BLACKCAPS Coach Mike Hesson has released the following statement on behalf of the Test squad in Sharjah, UAE.

Hesson said the entire cricket community was reeling from the news of Phillip Hughes’ death.

“Today isn’t about cricket, it’s about Phil,” said Hesson.

“Like the rest of the cricketing family, the BLACKCAPS players and management are devastated to hear about Phil’s tragic passing.

“It’s an unthinkable loss and I can tell you it’s an incredibly sombre dressing room right now.”

“To those who were close to Phillip, we extend our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts are with you during this extremely difficult time.“

Update 7.30pm

The BLACKCAPS and Pakistan have agreed to suspend play today in Sharjah as a mark of respect for Phil Hughes.

Today will be treated as a rest day and the Test will resume tomorrow and conclude a day later than scheduled.

NZC Statement 7pm

New Zealand Cricket is shocked and saddened by news of the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes.

NZC Chief Executive David White today extended his deepest sympathy to the family of Phillip; his friends, colleagues, team-mates and opponents alike - and to Cricket Australia for their loss.

“Cricket is a family,” said Mr White.

“Quite apart from its super-competitive edge, it is a game of kinship, mateship and friendship; of camaraderie and community.

“To lose one of our own in such tragic circumstances is unthinkable, and our thoughts are with those who are close to Phillip; who know him, or have simply enjoyed the wonderful brand of cricket he brought to the game.

“To those people, and all others who share in his loss, may I pass on our heartfelt condolences.”


http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/news-items/nzc-blackcaps-shocked-and-saddened-by-death-of-phillip-hughes


- - - Updated - - -

NEWS: The two-day tour match between India and the Chairman's XI, which was due to start on Friday in Adelaide, has been postponed

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...playing-accident/story-fni2fnmo-1227137086558

- - - Updated - - -

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said it is not appropriate to be considering whether next week's first test against India will go ahead.

"The whole of Australian cricket is grieving and all we want to do is to provide the Hughes family all the support we possibly can right now.

"It (helmet safety) is obviously a concerning issue. Again, helmets are continually upgraded and reviewed.

"That will no doubt happen the relevant manufacturers and medical experts will do that again in the fullness of time.

"But as I say, right now it is all about providing as much support as we can to those closest to Phillip."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...playing-accident/story-fni2fnmo-1227137086558

 

[listo]

This is terrible, I really loved this guy & believed he deserved more time in the Australian squad than he got. I'm not the most emotional guy going, but it's bought a few tears on this afternoon. RIP Phil you won't be forgotten.
I feel for his family at a time like this, but it's a worry for Sean Abbott, that poor bugger did nothing wrong but how do you tell him that?

 

[rhugh89]

Thought this was touching

The caption said he was 63 not out and would resume his innings alongside the Don

 

[listo]

Thought this was touching

The caption said he was 63 not out and would resume his innings alongside the Don

That's a nice touch

 

[Captain Planet]

RIP mate ...some doubted ya at times, but you had a fine knock.....

 

[Aidos]

It is just tragic news and I am still in shock.

Phillip is a Macksville boy (small town where I live). I am not a big cricket fan but I always watched a bit only to follow Hughes' career as he's a hometown hero here and I kind of knew some of the family. Phillip often came back home when he was on break and hosted coaching clinics for kids and handed out sport awards on presentation nights... he was quite simply a top bloke and was clearly raised very well by his parents (who are absolute champion people by the way).

I can't imagine how the family and friends are feeling right now. it's just very sad.

At least he passed while doing something he loved.

RIP Phillip.

 

[Lefty]

This year, my two favourite teams - the Knights and the Australian Cricket Team have both had players who have suffered catastrophic injuries. Life is precious and transitory.

The cricket world has been deprived of the privilege of seeing Phil realize his full potential.

I feel very sorry for Phil's family.

 

[cameron]

Absolutely horrible news. It's really hit quite close to home, I've always been a very big fan of him, and I don't think I've ever been hit so hard by the passing of someone I personally don't know other than when one of my favourite wrestlers died. It's only fitting he passed away playing the game he loves most. I send my utmost condolences to his family, friends, and everyone involved with the matter. RIP Phillip Hughes, your innings was cut way too short mate, but you'll always be remembered as a legend x

I'm probably in the minority on this site, but I've always been a bigger follower of cricket than league, and I've always been quite an avid follower of Phil Hughes. I'm not just saying this cause of the recent event, but in say the last 10 years or so, I don't think I've seen a better batting talent come through the Australian state ranks than Hughes, his only rival being Warner but his rise was very unorthodox. He had instant success in state cricket when he was as young as 19, smashing numerous hundreds. Now I know he had his ups and downs in test cricket, but I genuinely believe he would've become an all time great for Australia. Think Langer, Martyn and Hayden, they all had up and down starts to their test career, but they turned out to be champion batsmen for our country. It's a real shame, because Rogers will be gone from the test side soon and Hughes had been in great form the last couple of years in sheffield shield so I really think his time was now, and I think Warner and Hughes should've and most likely would've been the opening partnership for the next 5+ years and rivaled all the great opening partnerships like Hayden and Langer.
One last note, it completely baffles me why he didn't get more game time for Australia in limited over formats, his averages in both List A and T20 are incredible, and he was no slouch in getting those runs either.

 

[mozza]

So remarkably sad. I've never cried over the passing of someone I didn't know but I have several times today.
RIP buddy.

 

[rhugh89]

Our boys wore black armbands at training today as a mark of respect to Phil

 

[rhugh89]

Sean Abbott receives outpouring of support after the death of Phillip Hughes

• TONY HARPER
• FOX SPORTS
• NOVEMBER 28, 2014 11:21AM

FROM the family of Phillip Hughes, to the Prime Minister and right across the globe, those left stunned by his sudden passing have moved swiftly to put a caring arm around young paceman Sean Abbott.

Abbott bowled the ball which struck Hughes on Tuesday — sparking a “freakish and very rare” occurrence that led to Hughes’s death.

Hughes’s sister Megan and Australian captain Michael Clarke counselled the 22-year-old Sydneysider at St Vincent’s Hospital and there has followed a strong and heartfelt outpouring of support for the young cricketer.

“What Sean has gone through has been an incredibly traumatic experience, as it has been for everyone who was present on the field that day,” Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said on Thursday.

“Sean is receiving all the possible support from Cricket NSW and Australia.

“Sean came to the hospital yesterday. He’s been receiving a lot of support from Cricket NSW and his teammates.

“When he came to the hospital yesterday, Michael Clarke came down and spent a significant amount of time with him.

“Phillip’s sister also spent significant time with Sean.”

Distraught Abbott, who made his debut for Australia’s ODI team last month, was pictured leaving St Vincent’s Hospital after Hughes died.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott, during his tribute to Hughes, said:

“We should also remember Sean Abbott who would be absolutely devastated at this tragic accident.

Former Test ‘keeper Adam Gilchrist led the chorus on social media.

“May those footprints in the sand now support another young man in need. #SeanAbbott,” Gilchrist wrote on Twitter.

Cricket Australia added:

“The strength of the cricket family is more important than ever on this incredibly sad day.

“Please keep Sean Abbott in your thoughts.”

Australian Test legend Ian Chappell added:

“It’s going to be hard for (Abbott).“There’s a lot of people to feel for.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan also took to Twitter to support Abbott.

Former England cricket captain Sir Ian Botham tweeted:

“A very sad day for the world of cricket.

“So sorry for Phillip Hughes and his family. Spare a thought for Sean Abbott.”

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew also wrote on Twitter:

“Just another ball in just another game.

“Batsmen are struck all the time & invariably brush it off.

“A tragedy for Hughes family & Sean Abbott”.

Abbott has been receiving counselling over the incident and former Test quick Stuart Clark said he understood the up and coming star was “struggling” to come to terms with the incident.

But Clark explained it was a fast bowler’s job to “intimidate” and he hoped the freak accident would not jeopardise Abbott’s career.

“I’ve heard at different stages that [Abbott] is struggling a little bit with it all,” Clark told Fox Sports News.

“[But] he’s out there to get Phil Hughes out.

“It’s a competitive sport. It’s professional sport and I really feel for Sean Abbott at the moment.

“You just worry that this could jeopardise Sean Abbott and his cricket career and we don’t want that.

“We want Sean Abbott to have the best possible career he can.”

Former Test bowler Bryce McGain told the ABC Hughes and Abbott have a long history together.

“They’ve been close mates all the way through,” he said.

“Phil Hughes started his cricket with New South Wales and all these boys grew up together, they played under-age cricket for New South Wales and it’s quite a shock for them all.

“You could see was the first player there and he was holding him in his hands, there was a lot of care shown.”

Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee told the Nine Network that Abbott would be “going through a really tough time right now”.

“I know first-hand that no one goes out there to try and maim a batsman, no one tries to hurt a batsman,” Lee said.

Former England paceman Alan Mullally, who left a batsman with severe head trauma during a club game in Perth, said Abbott would need to be carefully looked after.

“I had sleepless nights for months after that,” Mullally recalled to The West Australian.

“I would wake up crying.

“I was devastated at first because I didn’t know if he was going to live and then I was devastated because I did know that I had ended his career and all his cricket hopes and dreams.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...f-phillip-hughes/story-fni2fnmo-1227137583674

 

[rhugh89]

Tears flow in Sharjah as players pay tribute to Phillip Hughes

• FOX SPORTS
• NOVEMBER 28, 2014 5:28PM

NEW ZEALAND’S cricketers shed tears as they gathered to observe a minute’s silence for the late Phillip Hughes prior to play on the second day of the third Test against Pakistan in Sharjah.

All-rounder Kane Williamson and several teammates appeared visibly distressed as the Black Caps gathered in a huddle on the edge of the outfield to remember Hughes.

Brendon McCullum, who opened the batting with Hughes for New South Wales in 2009, is also understood to be distraught.

Brendon McCullum and his NZ teammates all had the initials P.H. written on their shirts.


Players from both side presented their bats along the edge of the outfield as part of the global #putoutyourbats tribute and the Kiwis penned the initials P.H. on their shirts.

In another moving touch, the New Zealand players chose to wear their training caps onto the field so their official ‘baggy blacks’ could rest on top of their bats on the sidelines.

New Zealand and Pakistan agreed to suspend play on Thursday with players too shaken to take the field.

“The players didn’t find out about Phil’s passing until they arrived at the ground yesterday,” said Heath Mills, the chief executive of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association.

“They were in a state of shock about it, There was no way they could have taken the field.

“A number of them have played alongside him in domestic teams around the world.

“It’s a small community professional cricket, so our guys are hurting.

“They’re doing it tough at the moment.

Pakistan’s players took part in the #putoutyourbats tribute in honour of Phillip Hughes.


“The guys have been thinking ‘that could have been me. That could have been someone I’m bowling to’.

“The bowlers have been thinking long and hard about bouncers.”

The Black Caps remained in a sombre mood after Tim Southee dismissed Misbah-ul-Haq early on day two, with celebrations of the wicket extremely muted.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...o-phillip-hughes/story-fni2fnmo-1227138655388

 

[rhugh89]

World cricket players, officials and media react to the death of Phillip Hughes

• TONY HARPER
• FOX SPORTS
• NOVEMBER 28, 2014 6:05PM

Pakistani cricket fans light candles to pay tribute to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes in Karachi, Pakistan.


PLAYERS, officials and fans from Australia’s Test playing rivals reacted with shock to the death of Phillip Hughes; the cricket world covered in a cloak of pain.

International Cricket Council Chairman Narayanaswami Srinivasan said followers of the sport were “shocked and saddened.”

“On behalf of the entire cricket community, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends,” Srinivasan said in a statement.

ICC chief executive David Richardson added:

“All those who play, have played or are in any way connected to the game are devastated by the news.”

Here is how the cricket world responded.

UK media reaction today.

And more tributes from England.


ENGLAND

Andrew Strauss, who played alongside Hughes at English county club Middlesex in 2009, joined a host of former England captains in expressing his deep sorrow.

“What he achieved in the game by the age of 25 was extraordinary,” Strauss said.

Batsman Nick Compton — who lived with Hughes in London and played grade cricket with him in Sydney — delivered a heartbreaking farewell on Twitter.

“Cuz I miss you so much, never has someone had such an impact on my life, my career, my outlook.

“Devastated and upset. Love you bro,” Compton wrote.

MCC president David Morgan, said:

“Phillip was a fine cricketer and one who we will tragically never have the chance to see batting again here at the home of cricket.”

Giles Clarke, chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), said his organisation extended its “deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences” to Hughes’s friends and family.

Ian Botham’s tribute in the Mirror.


INDIA

Players from India, who are in Australia preparing for a four-Test series, said they were shocked and saddened.

Retired batting legend Sachin Tendulkar called the death of his former Mumbai Indians IPL teammate a “sad day for cricket”.

Indian great Sunil Gavaskar said his immediate reaction was “one of profound sadness”.

The Times of India wrote:

“Phil Hughes died young, his huge promise unfulfilled.

“The game’s administrators must do everything in their power to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.”The headline in The Hindu was chilling: “Sport can seep into life, but when the reverse happens it is frightening”.

WEST INDIES

West Indies Cricket Board President Dave Cameron said a minute’s silence would be observed during all matches in the third round of the WICB Professional Cricket League as a mark of respect.

As elsewhere, the Windies’ leading players took to Twitter with condolences.

PAKISTAN

After deciding to abandon the second day of their third Test against New Zealand, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan released a statement saying:

“Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity is saddened by Hughes’ passing away, all our thoughts and prayers are with Phil and his family.”

“The whole team is shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Phil Hughes,” Moin Khan, the Pakistan team manager, said.

“He was here for the Australia limited-overs squad and was very cheerful.

“He was always ready to talk about cricket.”Meanwhile, a shrine has been set up for the young Australian in Karachi in Pakistan.

Pakistani cricket fans light candles to pay tribute to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes in Karachi, Pakistan.


NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said many people were feeling pain because “cricket is a family.”

“Quite apart from its super-competitive edge, it is a game of kinship, mateship and friendship; of camaraderie and community,” White said.

Front pages of the New Zealand newspapers showing headlines surrounding the death of Phillip Hughes.


SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews offered prayers for Hughes and his Australian teammates.

“Hughes was a terrific young player, and we found him to be a very cheerful and friendly person,” Mathews said.

“This is indeed a great tragedy, and we share in the grief of his family and our Aussie ... mates.

“We pray that he will Rest in Peace, Let the Turf rest gently on him.”

SOUTH AFRICA

Former South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, who was forced to retire in 2012 after being hit in the eye by a bail while wicketkeeping, tweeted that he was “lost for words”.Others did try.

“What can one say? :-( :-( Pretty sh*t news to wake up to. #RIPPhillipHughes,” Wayne Parnell tweeted.Former Proteas fast bowler Shaun Pollock added:

“Absolutely shocked to hear the news of Phil Hughes passing away! Thoughts and prayers are with his family as well as Sean Abbott!”

ZIMBABWE

Hughes’s loss was felt in Zimbabwe, too, following a recent tour.

BANGLADESH

Bangladesh Test Captain Mushfiqur Rahim in a message said:

“Phillip Hughes was an embodiment of the fighting spirit and the world of cricket will miss him.

“The news has come as a terrible shock.

“Our thoughts are with Phillip’s family, friends and the Australian cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”

zStar all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, who played alongside Hughes at Adelaide Strikers, sent an emotional message.

“I cannot explain enough how traumatic this for me, especially because I knew him personally as we played in the same team for Adelaide Strikers.

“Not only [have] I lost a teammate; [but] also a good friend! My prayers are with him and his family, rest in peace mate!”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/wo...n-phillip-hughes/story-e6freuy9-1227138109363

 

[IanG]

I'm feeling numb. I really don't know what to say. As somebody who's played cricket at some sort of competitive level. Even the remote thought of something like this happening doesn't ever cross your mind when one went out to bat. It's such a rare neigh freak occurence. My thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time. Also have to spare a thought for Sean Abbott. You can only imagine what's going through his mind at this time. They say only the good die young. It's still not fair. RIP Phillip Joel Hughes

 

[rhugh89]

Here is a 30 second tribute channel 9 put together with Richie Benaud, I daresay this is just the first of many over the coming season

[video=youtube;EghQlFMMZqQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EghQlFMMZqQ[/video]

 

[rhugh89]

Phillip Hughes death: Local Victorian clubs encouraged to pay tribute

• GREG BUCKLE
• HERALD SUN
• NOVEMBER 28, 2014 8:00PM

RETIRING at 63 not out instead of 50 in junior matches, 63 seconds of silence and finding creative ways to write the number 408 on outfields are among ways Victorian club cricketers are being encouraged to honour Phillip Hughes this weekend.

Cricket Australia’s head office has conveyed the ideas to country and junior associations statewide and clubs are being asked to consider various tributes for Hughes, 25, who died on Thursday, two days after he was struck in the head during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.

Cricket Victoria’s game development manager Rohan O’Neill said Melbourne Cricket Club, for example, would have Hughes’ baggy green number 408 marked into the grass at the Albert Ground and the flag would be at half-mast for today’s Premier Cricket clash against Casey-South Melbourne.

Club have been provided with ideas for tributes, such as:

ALLOWING junior players to retire at 63 not out instead of 50 ;

REDUCING two-day games to 63 overs a side;

HAVING 63 seconds of silence after the toss;

WEARING black armbands;

USING creative ways to write 408 on outfields;

WEARING the number 408;

GETTING both teams together to spend extra time together after matches

CA chief James Sutherland urged the nation’s park cricketers to honour Hughes in their own way this weekend.

“We know that Phillip would encourage you to celebrate the game of cricket with your mates over the weekend,” Sutherland said.

“We ask you to do that in tribute to Phillip Hughes.

“Whether that’s getting creative with writing his player number 408 on the outfield, wearing a black armband or having a moment’s silence after the toss.”

O’Neill said Premier Cricket would go ahead in Melbourne today, unlike in South Australia and Hughes’ former home state NSW.

“I’m sure the (Victorian) clubs will be doing little tributes,” O’Neill said.

“We’ve seen a lot of great things already in terms of tributes such as cricket bats sitting out in front of houses across Australia.

“We have sent a note to all associations across Victoria to get them to wear black armbands and have a minute’s silence before the game.

“The most important thing for us was to see what Phillip’s family would communicate out via Cricket Australia.

“Cricket Australia has encouraged us to celebrate cricket and playing with great mates and that’s something we felt was appropriate in this circumstance.

“It’s important for community cricket clubs to have that camaraderie after games.

“People were having barbecues after training last night and talking through what had happened.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...d-to-pay-tribute/story-fni2fnmo-1227138697638

- - - Updated - - -

A State Memorial Service will be held for Phillip Hughes at the SCG

• NEWS.COM.AU
• NOVEMBER 28, 2014 7:38PM

A STATE Memorial Service will be held for Phillip Hughes at the Sydney Cricket Ground after the much loved cricketer died aged just 25.

NSW Premier Mike Baird today announced that the service had been arranged in consultation with Phillip’s family, and it would be an opportunity for the entire community to pay their respects to a much-loved Australian and New South Welshman.

In a statement Mr Baird said that the State Memorial Service would be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with a date and other details to be advised in due course.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...y-cricket-ground/story-fni2fnmo-1227138615631

 

[listo]

I'm still getting teary, such a sad thing to happen to anyone let alone a champion bloke like this.
These tributes from around the world show just how many people this young guy touched in his short life