The tragic death of Phillip Hughes, who never regained consciousness after being struck by a bouncer on Tuesday afternoon at the SCG, will have far reaching effects not only on the Australian Test team, but throughout the Sheffield Shield, and beyond.
The 25-year-old, who would have been 26 next Sunday, was revered by all those privileged to know the “happy-go-lucky country kid from Macksville”.
The Australians meet India in the first Test at the Gabba starting next Thursday.
It’s impossible to believe any of the playing XI will be in a fit state to represent their country.
Sometime in the interim, Phillip Hughes’ funeral will be scheduled, and every one of the Test team, the NSW and South Australians teams, from his home state and adopted state, plus many others from the other states, will want to be in attendance to pay their last respects.
How can the Test team be expected to perform after such trauma?
Counsellors will no doubt be called in by Cricket Australia to help overcome the grief, with only two possible ways for the professionals to do their job.
The positive way would be to get the message across of “let’s win this Test against India for Phil”. If that tack works it would be beneficial to all concerned.
The other alternative would be to minimise the genuine grief, but somehow that is unlikely to help the players.
There is a third alternative.
Cricket Australia called off the three Sheffield Shield games that started on Tuesday, the day Phillip was struck.
Cricket Australia could do the same again, and call off the first Test as it’s so close to Phillip’s death.
Somehow I don’t think the third alternative would serve any positive purpose, and could only magnify the grief with nothing to do.
As hard as it may sound, playing the Test with a “let’s do it for Phil” attitude would seem to be the most positive alternative.
Which ever way Cricket Australia’ goes, it will be hellishly difficult for the baggy greens, losing such a close mate under circumstances never faced before.
It will take a long time for all of the Australian team to get over this horrific accident.
But they can be rest assured that everyone in Australia, even non-cricket lovers and supporters, will be right behind them, sharing their pain.
And just as importantly, sharing the pain of Phillip Hughes’ family and friends who have been through two days of hell.
Rudolph, Chennia, India
Guest
When I heard about the injury first, I immediately started praying and have been praying for him for the past 2 days and I believed that he would regain his conscious. It is very difficult to accept the fact that he has died. I pray that LORD JESUS will give his family the strength to bear this great loss. My thoughts and prayers goes out to his family, friends and Cricket Australia. Gabba test can always be postponed and I would be happy if the Indian players also goes to his home town and be a part of his funeral to pay the last respect. We all love Phil very much as he was a very quiet guy but when it came to batting he roared like a lion. Deep condolenses to his family, friends and cricket Australia. GOD bless
Vishal Sethi
Guest
It's 5am in India and I still get sleep, I'm terribly effected with Phill's death...my heart goes out his family and friends, I'm a cricket lover and I would pray that India and Aus play a single test as mark of respect and cancel the tour....!!!! I keep telling life "he was gona be 26 next Sunday " Life you such a Bitch" A very dark day for world cricket and cricket lovers. RIP Phillip Hughes...!!!
Muppet
Guest
I think if the BCCI were to do the same in this instance, they would be digging their own grave. The public backlash would be enormous, across the cricketing world. If CA decide that the match should be called off, the BCCI will have to comply whether they like it or not. Lost revenue wouldn't be worth getting a rocket up their ass from the public.
Johnno
Guest
This is sad. it reminds me in some ways of the Ben Alexander death in 1992. He was a 1st grade NRL play for the Penrith Panthers, and was the younger brother of the very famous Greg Alexender the SOO and aussie player and star halfback, who now commentates on fox sports. The year before they won a maiden title at the Panthers in 1991, then mid-1992 Ben Alexander had a car crash, it rocked rugby league at the time the Panthers side. Very sad, and this story with Phil Hughes has a very similar feel to it. Ben Alexender was young as well only 21, Phil Hughes 25. Sad when this happens to young people who have so much going for them,RIP Phil Hughes.
matthew_gently
Guest
The deepest tragedy. Thanks for the article. It's lifted my head a bit. Last week I watched Sean Abbott make a composed 50-in-a-crisis at the Gabba, and thought what a promising cricketer he looks. Inspired, I came home and bought a ticket for Day 1 of the Test. Provided the match is on, I still intend to go. That's the best tribute I can give to Phil Hughes. Sixty-three seconds of organised applause would be especially poignant.
bri olewale
Guest
axle thats who I thought of as well......this must be a bit like what it must have felt like when archie jackson died........ or in boxing jack D'Arcy
13th Man
Guest
Absolutely gutted. My thoughts and prayers are with Phils family and friends at this horrible time. I know I never knew him but he has been a role model for me, a real fighter and by all accounts a great bloke. It feels so horrible right now. Our cricket team will be paying our respects to Hughesy this weekend. Also thinking about Shaun Abbott at this very terrible time for him, it was not your fault just a freak accident. RIP PHIL HUGHES
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Pure sadness really. Sportsmen are part of the family in a country like Australia and today we've lost one of us. How unfair. :(
Shouts Chen
Guest
#RIPPhilHughes
Rob Kastelein
Guest
Last week my family said goodbye to my sister who tragically passed away at 53 years young, the pain we went through was what no person can explain, my heart goes out to Phillip family and his close friends, thinking of you all, Rob
Demark
Guest
When a nation loses one of its bright young lights it's difficult to put into words how one truly feels.The loss is beyond sadness and cuts deep,heart felt thoughts go out to family.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
I never realised how much our cricketers meant to me until hearing that one of my favourites, Phil, had passed away today. It's a personal feeling of sorrow and sadness, even though I've never met the bloke. What a bloody legend Phil Hughes was. Absolute Australian hero and he will be remembered as such. Massive loss to world cricket, and Australia particularly. RIP Phil.
Cricketrs across the globe stand tall
Guest
What a sad day it is for all of us who love the game, and felt that we "knew Phil Hughes" although it was only ever from a distance. How indescribably sad for those that did truly know him, and for his family, who cherished him from the day he was born. I lost my dad 6 weeks ago, an incredibly emotional journey but one that I walked with my family for the past 9 months until his death. The suddenness of what happened to Phil, whilst he was doing something he loved, must be overwhelming. Be glad that he was doing something that he loved, and ultimately was surrounded by mates and ex team mates. As so many have said, considerable condolences to Sean Abbott too, a young man at work who must be devastated by the outcome. The test must go on, with the firm conviction that Phil Hughes would have wanted to see the baggy green in all its glory, c'mon boys, this one is for Phil, and Sean, and all of Australia.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Completely different situation, a man just passed away playing the game.
David Lord
Expert
sheek, it's very hard to type through tears.
Simon
Roar Guru
Yes, you can only hope so, JGK. After the Windies no-show in India recently, Cricket Australia would be very mindful of cancelling a planned Test match with India. India are suing the Windies board for millions in lost revenue, and I wouldn't put it passed them to do the same to us, no matter how different the circumstances are. R.I.P. Phillip. Massive condolences to your family and to Sean Abbott.
Tatah
Guest
My sympathies to the Hughes family. I didn't know their son and brother but he came across as a young man who was loved by many and was a joy to watch. Vale Phil Hughes.
Vic
Guest
This is sad beyond words. I don't think cancelling the test to show respect and allow fellow cricketers to grieve is negative or woukd magnify the grief - it is only in recent years that people have been taught to avoid grief feelings. Previously it was accepted that losing someone to death is worthy of mourning, stopping day to day activities, and allowing enough time to pass before individuals are asked to carry on with daily life. We are poorer for the modern attitude of "the show must go on", an attitude I believe has more to do with materialism than with is needed to deal with grief in a healthy way.
Brian
Guest
So sad. 2 weeks ago an acquaintance lost her life driving to Lorne in tragic circumstances. She too was 25. I didn't know Hughes but to be taken like that is truly tragic. As for the cricket it should go on. It will be emotional if Mitch starts bowling like he did last year. I for one am not sure how I would feel if the pill starts skimming their heads. In time I'm sure the game will move on but right now emotions are still running high.
SM
Guest
I still can't actually believe what's happened today. Once again, my most sincere condolences to Phil Hughes' family and friends.