Thursday 27 November 2014 14:15, UK
Kevin Pietersen has spoken of his sadness at Phillip Hughes’ death and believes the Australian was on course to have a glittering career.
The former England batsman said he admired the 25-year-old’s flamboyant batting style and work ethic.
He was a born entertainer the way he attacked bowlers. Phil was one of those guys you wanted to get out, because if he stayed in after one session it was dangerous territory.
He was speaking after Hughes died last night, two days after being hit on the top of the neck by a ball during a domestic game.
Pietersen told Sky Sports News HQ: “He had grown and matured into a magnificent player. I always liked the guys who had a sound technique and worked really hard on their games.
“He was on course to do some great things for Australia and always looked like a guy looking to learn. His 100 against South Africa, the weight of expectation he had after that and he started his one-day career with a brilliant hundred against Sri Lanka.
“He was a born entertainer the way he attacked bowlers. Phil was one of those guys you wanted to get out, because if he stayed in after one session it was dangerous territory.”
Pietersen was on the field when Hughes shared a then world record 10th-wicket partnership of 163 with Ashton Agar in last year's Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.
He believes the tragedy could unite the Australian team further in the same way Surrey came together after the death of Tom Maynard in 2012.
“They are strong guys, a tough nation, it will probably grow the bond," he said. "When we lost Tom Maynard it united the Surrey dressing room on a big front, it moulded them.”
And Pietersen believes everyone involved in cricket should unite in their support of bowler Sean Abbott, whose delivery struck Hughes.
“Sean Abbott needs a strong arm around him," he said. "I hope the whole cricketing world puts their arm around him.
“I am sure he is in a dark place, I hope he continues playing as it was a freak accident.”
