The news of Phillip Hughes’ passing is devastating to every person in Australia. It’s not just sports fans who have lamented his death, but politicians, fellow athletes and people from all walks of life.
Through his play he touched the lives of millions of Australians. Roarers will be very familiar with Hughes, who was undoubtedly one of the most talented cricketers of his generation.
We had the pleasure of watching such a young player flourish at Test level from 2009, and watched him move in and out of the national team in coming years.
We’ve searched through The Roar’s archives, and want to share some pictures of Hughes from various times in his career, both with state and national teams.
The first comes from his time at New South Wales before he got a call-up to national duty.
This one is from his debut Test series, where he managed two centuries in his second Test, before the age of 21, against an attack that included Makaya Ntini and Dale Steyn. He became the youngest every player to score two centuries in one match from any country.
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He then went on to play against England in the Ashes, playing in the first two Tests, before he was dropped from the team for the first time.
He made a prolonged return to the team in late 2010, and continued as an Australian Test player for much of 2011.
Here is Hughes walking off after Australia’s famous loss to New Zealand in 2011.
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Hughes was famous for his mighty cut shot, and he was severe on any bowling wide and short outside off stump. In fact, it didn’t have to be that wide or short for Hughes to dispatch it to the point boundary.
Here’s Hughes suiting up for action in Australian colours.
Towards the end of his career, Hughes played regularly in Australia’s one day line-up. It was not a matter of if but when as to whether he would return to playing Test cricket for Australia.
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He was struck by a bouncer playing Shield cricket on Tuesday 25th November, which would ultimately lead to him passing away.
The Roar sends its deepest condolences to Hughes’ family and close friends.
RIP Phillip Hughes. You will be missed by everyone.