Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke today gave voice to the anguish of a nation, fighting back tears as with a touching tribute at the funeral of his “little brother”, Phillip Hughes.
Speaking at the emotional ceremony in the Macksville High School hall where Phillip grew up, Clarke said the spirit of cricket would forever be infused with the memory of his team-mate.
Stifling sobs, he said the death of the cricketer had reverberated around the world – “from the little girl holding a candle in Karachi” to the heartfelt tributes offered up by “giants” of the game, Brian Lara and Viv Richards.
Addressing Hughes’s casket directly, Clarke bade a painful farewell to the country kid who took on the world.
“We must dig in,” he said through tears. “And get through to tea. We must play on. So rest in peace my little brother. I’ll see you out in the middle.”
Clarke’s words, which distinguished the Aussie cricket captain as an orator of distinction, reverberated around the Macksville High School hall – and across the country via the ceremony’s live telecast.
His speech comes at the end of a horror ten days for the cricketer, who has been rocked by the death of his friend.
Echoing Clarke’s sentiments, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland addressed the funeral and said Hughes’ life should serve as an inspiration.
“His life demonstrated that a great deal can be packed into a very short time if you have talent and passion,” he said.
Mourners pay their respects to Phillip Hughes at the SCG. Picture: AAP Image/Nikki Short
Mourners pay their respects to Phillip Hughes at the SCG. Picture: AAP Image/Nikki Short
Mourners pay their respects to Phillip Hughes at the SCG. Picture: AAP Image/Nikki Short
He added that ever since Bradman, the dream of “one day wearing the baggy green has become entrenched in our psyche”.
“Phillip Hughes was an Australian cricket archetype,” he said, citing the 25-year-old’s journey from the family farm to the international stage.
“Cricket’s heart has been pierced by pain, but it will never stop beating.”
