As they enter the opening of the fourth and final test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground – the very ground where Hughes suffered a fatal head injury – the boys in the baggy green are forced to relive the horrific events witnessed on that fateful day.
In memory of young cricketer, Phillip Hughes who was killed by a bouncer, a plaque has been placed on the wall of the Member’s Pavilion, right outside the home team dressing room. It is a reminder Phillip may be gone, but never forgotten.
“Hughesy was one of us, he was one of our good mates,” said Skipper Steve Smith.
“Particularly this week, it’s going to be great to be able to walk past that (plaque) and see the little fella there and give us a bit of inspiration as we’re going out on the field.”
Phillip Hughes.
The plaque, which was unveiled last night at the SCG, features a polished bronze mould of Hughes, accompanied by words of tribute about his stellar career.
Hughes’ family have attended the match, said to be their first time returning to the ground since the accident.
Michael Clarke remembering the late Phillip Hughes.
As the Sydney Test got underway injured Australian skipper and close friend of Hughes, Michael Clarke told the Nine Network that cricket had changed for the better.
“This was his ground, the Sydney Cricket Ground,” Clarke said.
“This is where he played his last game, this is where his spirit will live forever.
“I never had a blood brother but he was my brother.
“Together we enjoyed life and celebrated one another’s successes, when he made runs when I made runs.
“It felt like we made our hundreds together.
“His love of life, it helped me get out of bed in the morning, I didn’t want him to beat me at anything, yet loved it when he did.”
Hughes, a “dashing and unorthodox left-handed batsman”, as the plaque reads, made his first class debut at the SCG for NSW in 2007 and played his first Test at home at SCG in 2010.
A tribute to Phillip Hughes in Macksville. PHOTO: Getty.
A tribute to Phillip Hughes in Macksville. Pics: Getty.
The country kid from Macksville with a passion for cattle farming also played his final Test at the venue in 2013 and Clarke took a moment to make a promise to his fallen teammate.
“I will never play a Test match again without the number 408 on my shirt, Hughdog’s Test number.
“The one that stopped the cricket world and changed it for the better and forever.”
