Thursday 27 November 2014 08:31, UK
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland says Phillip Hughes was a deeply-loved figure who will be remembered forever.
Sutherland was speaking after it was announced on Thursday that Australian international batsman Hughes had tragically died from injuries sustained when he was hit by a bouncer when playing for South Australia in Sydney on Tuesday.
A dynamic left-handed batsman, Hughes scored three centuries in 26 Tests for Australia and is the only player to have made a century on his one-day international debut for the country.
Speaking at St Vincent’s hospital, where Hughes passed away on Thursday, Sutherland said: “The word tragedy gets used far too often in sport but this freak accident is now a real-life tragedy.
“Just shy of his 26th birthday, Phillip has been taken from us far too young.
“It’s an understatement to say that we are completely devastated. Our grief runs deep and the impact of Phillip’s loss is enormous but nothing compares to the loss felt by those closest to him.
“Phillip was a cherished son, brother, friend and team mate.
“In these darkest of hours cricket puts its collective arms around the Hughes family. To his parents Virginia and Greg, and siblings Megan and Jason, we offer our love and endless support.
“As a cricketer, Phillip was an incredibly talented and dearly loved member of the Australian, South Australian and Adelaide Strikers squads and a former NSW representative. He also played county cricket in England and IPL in India.
“Without doubt, he was a rising star whose best cricket was still ahead of him.
“Hughesy, Huey or Hue-Dog as he was known to many of his mates was much-loved. You only have to sift through the thousands of messages of support, prayers and well wishes for Phillip from cricketers and supporters the world over to understand the affection felt towards him.”
Australia are scheduled to play India in a Test in Brisbane next week and Hughes had been tipped for a possible recall to the side.
Sutherland added: ““He will forever be remembered as one of the elite few to have worn the Baggy Green cap – cap 408 to be precise.
“He was a hero to kids around the nation, particularly those in the region around his home town of Macksville in New South Wales, that he did so proud in his 26 Test matches, a tally that looked certain to grow, but now sadly never will.
“The National Selectors had certainly identified him as having a long-term future in the game. “
Sutherland also reflected on Hughes’ career, one of the highlights of which came in Durban in 2009, when Hughes became the youngest cricketer to score back-to-back centuries in one Test.
“We all vividly remember his explosive entrance to Test cricket,” said Sutherland. “In 2009, in only his second Test and at the tender age of 20, Phillip blasted back-to-back centuries against South Africa and only last year showed his class again, when he became the first Australian batsman in the history of ODI cricket to score a century on debut.
“But it was Phillip as a person that we will miss most. He was a classic example of his country upbringing – humble, understated and hard working. When the chips were down or he had a setback, he simply got on with the job and worked harder. He set a wonderful example to any young person seeking to make their way in life.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to send our deepest sympathies to Phillip’s teammates at a national, state and grade level as well as the wider New South Wales and South Australian cricket communities.
“Phillip Joel Hughes played 26 Test matches for his country. He will be sadly missed and forever remembered.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also paid tribute to Hughes and ICC Chairman Mr Narayanaswami Srinivasan said: “We are all shocked and saddened with the news of Phillip’s passing.
“On behalf of the entire cricket community, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said in Dubai: “He was a naturally gifted player who entertained many with his attacking approach to the game.
“All those who play, have played, or are in any way connected to the game are devastated by the news. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy at this difficult time.”
