The death of Phillip Hughes in such tragic circumstances galvanised the Australian community in a manner that is seldom seen. Since, there have been millions across the globe who have marked their respect for Hughes.
The impact upon Australian cricket was so great that the first Test match had to be rearranged. This is understandable as players, who would still be grieving, may or may not be in the right mental state.
Phillip Hughes’ family declared that his funeral would be the means to start a new chapter in an attempt to move on – and their bravery is to be commended.
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From that point though, what is too much respect, or to rephrase, what is unnecessary respect?
The first Test was moved to the Adelaide Oval, Hughes’ adopted home ground. The Australian players have 408, Hughes’ Test cap number, embroidered into their shirts, a nice touch. Both teams start the match with black armbands, as customary.
A 63 (the score Hughes made in his final innings) second applause, very moving. He was also made 13th man for the Test, fitting.
But when should we stop? The end of this Test match? The end of the series? The end of the summer?
Never?
I am not an expert on grief, but Phillip Hughes’ family wanted the funeral to be the turning of the page and the media seems desperate to keep the mourning process going.
David Warner, Michael Clarke and Steve Smith all played incredible knocks and on every stroke the commentators felt obliged to mention that these players were under immense psychological stress.
This is obvious. Their mate has recently died playing the game he loves, the game in which they are playing. The constant barrage, however, was and is not needed and will not aid the healing process.
It seems excessive. The journalists loved it because the headlines were writing themselves Clarke’s big ton for his little mate and Smith’s top knock for his good friend. How are people meant to move on when cricket is pushed out of focus?
The ABC Grandstand commentators also made some really strange remarks in regards to the armbands. The Australians made the decision to wear the black armbands for the whole Test, maybe even the summer but the Indian team decided to only wear them on Day 1.
This was brought up as a discussion on whether or not that was the right thing to do. Play was interrupted for large periods on Day 2 though this as a topic of conversation seemed quite off putting.
It is as if no one knows when it is appropriate to stop mentioning the passing of Phillip Hughes for fear of disrespecting the former Test opener. People need to understand that not mentioning him will not mean that people think any less of Hughes.
Due to the extensive character references over the last few weeks I am confident that Hughes would wish for commentators to return to commentating rather than blur the lines between commentating and providing a eulogy.
This is an unprecedented tragedy in regards to the media coverage and the social media aspect.
It seems that no one knows how to behave but the worst thing for everyone is for this to continue until the end of the summer and right through next year, as it isn’t turning a new page but reading the same book over again.
I was, am and always will be saddened by the terrible fate of Phillip Hughes but listening to the words of his friends and family, it seems he would want everyone to get on with the game – so let’s do that.
Follow me on Twitter @dylaneloiarvela
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