Macksville: The cricket world stood united in grief as Australian batsman Phil Hughes was laid to rest in his hometown, here, on Wednesday, amid an outpouring of emotional tributes by mourners including a distraught national captain Michael Clarke.
Phil, who would have turned 26 last Sunday, was fatally hit by a bouncer at the back of his head during a domestic game last week. He battled for life for two days before passing away to leave the sporting world in stunned sadness.
In a funeral attended by thousands and televised live, friends, family and teammates paid their tributes to the young batsman.
The Indian team, which is here for a Test and limited-overs series, was represented by Team Director Ravi Shastri, captain Virat Kohli and batsman Rohit Sharma during an emotional goodbye to the player.
Clarke and Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland, besides members of the Hughes family, read out heart-rending tributes to the youngster before Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” filled the air.
“I don’t know about you, but I keep looking for him. I know it is crazy, but I expect any minute to take a call from him or to see his face pop around the corner. Is this what we call the spirit? If so, then his spirit is still with me. And I hope it never leaves,” a choked Clarke said.
As part of the tributes, Pakistan and New Zealand have dedicated the trophy for their two T20Is in the Dubai, starting on Thursday, in memory of Phil.
Pakistan’s T20 captain Shahid Afridi said Phil’s death has left the cricketing world in a shock. “Phil died very young and his tragic death has left everyone shocked,” said Afridi on Wednesday.
The Sydney Cricket Ground, where the youngster was fatally struck on his head, paid its tribute by putting out 63 bats inside the stadium as a mark of remembrance to his final score.
The ground, where Hughes played his final knock in a domestic game, was thrown open for mourners for a live screening of the batsman’s funeral.
Phil’s coffin was led out after the tribute ceremony for a procession around the streets of Macksville to allow the locals to pay their last respects.
The procession moved through the streets with players and other mourners walking behind. The Australian players later formed a guard of honour and the hearse and the funeral procession moved past them en route to the burial.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott was among the notable people who walked alongside the locals and friends of the Hughes family.
The coffin was carried from the prayer hall of the Macksville High School by pallbearers — Phil’s father Greg and brother Jason, along with Clarke, Mitchell Lonergan, Matthew Day, Aaron Finch and Tom Cooper, who was the departed player’s housemate in Adelaide and was batting with him when he was struck by the fatal delivery.
The prayer service at the school was led by Father Michael Alcock and mourners were left wiping tears as touching tributes were read out by Phil’s siblings, friends and Clarke.
“Rest in peace my little brother, I’ll see you out in the middle,” concluded Clarke, breaking down in tears.
The youngster’s siblings also read out emotional farewell letters to him. “I am so honoured to call you my brother, my best friend and my hero... Your presence will never leave the people who love and adore you ... I will always remember and admire that you never changed or became someone different while your life and career was progressing,” said his sister Megan.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better little brother. From a very young age you were destined to be our rock-star... I still can’t believe I’m here saying my final goodbyes,” added his brother Jason. (Agencies)
