Australian cricketers pay tribute to Phil Hughes

AUSTRALIA: Australian cricketers have paid tribute to Phillip Hughes on the fifth anniversary of his death, gathering on the Adelaide Oval pitch to remember him after his death in a freak on-field accident.

Hughes, who played 26 Tests, died from bleeding on the brain on November 27, 2014, after being hit on the neck by a rising ball while batting in a domestic match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

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His death stunned Australia and the world cricket community, sparking an outpouring of grief and ushering in stronger protocols around concussion and better player safety equipment.

David Warner and Nathan Lyon, part of the team that will play Pakistan in the second Test starting Friday, were on the field when Hughes collapsed, while Steve Smith was also a teammate and friend of the 25-year-old.

Australian captain Tim Paine said coach Justin Langer gathered the team in a circle on the pitch late Wednesday, the anniversary of Hughes’s death, to remember their colleague.

Kevin Roberts said the impact of Hughes’ tragic death was still being felt.

“A man dedicated to his family, a loyal friend, a popular teammate and a prodigiously talented cricketer,” Roberts said. “There hasn’t been a single day over these last five years when Phillip’s loss hasn’t been felt acutely by the Australian cricket family.”

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Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke, who was a pallbearer at Hughes’ funeral and delivered a tearful eulogy to his “little brother”, also paid tribute.

“Everyday I think of you, but this week even more. Wish you were here buddy,” he said on Instagram.