Former Australia cricket coach Darren Lehmann has paid tribute to Phillip Hughes, who tragically passed away 10 years ago after being hit by a cricket ball.
Hughes was batting for South Australia during a Sheffield Sheild match against New South Wales in 2014, when a delivery bounced and hit him in the neck.
He died from a brain hemorrhage two days later at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, aged 25, just three days before his 26th birthday.
The cricketer, who was born in Macksville, New South Wales, was one of Australia’s most exciting batting talents and played 26 Tests for the Baggy Greens.
He had announced himself on the Test cricket scene in 2009 during Australia’s tour of South Africa, scoring an incredible 275 runs in two innings during what was only his second appearance in the red-ball format.
Reflecting on the talent of South Australia’s talented batsman, former Australia cricket coach Lehmann said that Hughes, the 408th Australian to wear a Baggy Green cap, would have appeared in 100 more Tests.
Tributes have been pouring in for former Australian Test star Phillip Hughes, who tragically passed away 10 years ago.
The cricketer (right), who was born in Macksville, New South Wales, was one of Australia’s most exciting batting talents and played 26 Tests for the Baggy Greens.
Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann (second from right) paid a heartfelt tribute to Hughes.
“Phillip Hughes would have played 120 Test matches, there’s no doubt about that,” Lehmann said. ABC News.
His passing came just as Australia were due to face India in a home Test series, and Lehmann heartbreakingly added that Hughes was ready to be called back to the red-ball side.
“When he played those hundreds in South Africa, young Phillip Hughes, he was just playing against bowlers. “Dale Steyn…those type of players that were incredible,” Lehmann said.
The former Australia coach said Hughes’ talents were such that he was able to adapt and modify his game to make improvements and become a better cricketer.
“It would have just gone from strength to strength, the way he played.”
Lehmann added: “He was just a great young man. Life was too short, beautiful family man, loved his cows and loved life on the farm.
‘If he’s sitting there, you’re happy and smiling. He makes you smile. Very few people have that attribute that allows you to feel really comfortable and smile and laugh.’
‘Our thoughts are always with his family and friends. I wish he could still be with us.”
Hughes appeared in 26 Test matches for Australia and announced himself on the international stage in South Africa, where he scored 275 runs in two innings in his second Test appearance.
Lehmann said Hughes (pictured) would have “gone from strength to strength” and praised him for his cricketing talent.
Players from India and Australia paid tribute to Hughes during the series, leaving their bats in memory of the South Australian batsman.
In the following weeks, Australia would play India at the Adelaide Oval, and players from both sides paid emotional tributes to Hughes.
Lehmann said he remembers that Test match as the best red-ball game he has ever participated in because it was played in memory of the former South Australian batsman.
David Warner also opened up about the test, explaining how Australia reflected on their memories of their former teammate together.
“We kind of forgot about cricket,” Warner said. fox cricket. “It was like, ‘We’re out there playing, playing with a group of friends in the park.'” And (from there) it continued to flow.
‘It was crazy. The emotions were very raw at that moment. (And) as a group, we sat and reflected on Phil and Phil’s memories (and) it was like the game never happened.”
He added: “Now, (just) thinking about it, it makes me cry a little, especially (now that) it’s been 10 years.” It is never forgotten, absolutely never forgotten.
‘No matter what game I’m playing, (he’s) still out there with me. And I know the guys who are still playing today and they say the same thing. It was just an absolute tragedy and we miss him. “We absolutely miss him.”
The #PutOutYourBats movement was also formed, in which many cricketers around the world paid their respects through a moving campaign in which they placed their bats against a wall, in tribute to Hughes.
His family also released a statement, paying tribute to Hughes’ incredible character.
“Phillip was a loving, fun and infectious person,” his family said in a statement. “He shined brightly even in difficult times, it reflected the kind of person he was, and we appreciated everything about him.
‘Small-town country boy Philip rose to become a revered Australian Test, One-Day and Twenty-20 cricketer, facing the toughest challenges on and off the field, but always standing his ground. and grateful to those who supported him.
“He loved being part of a team and wearing the Australian colors in the sport he loved so much.”
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke also recalled the impact Hughes had on him as a friend and as a player.
“Every year is a tough week,” Clarke said on Sky Sports Radio’s The Big Sports Breakfast.
‘The 27th marks the anniversary of Phillip’s death and his birthday is November 30; He would have turned 36 this year.
‘This week is never fun…my thoughts are with his family and friends. I’m sure everyone will be thinking of him. It’s hard to believe and it’s still exceptionally raw.
Tributes have poured in from across the cricket world for Hughes (pictured), with Michael Clarke, David Warner and England captain Ben Stokes remembering the talented Australian star.
“Not many days go by without thinking about him, because he was that kind of character. He was a great guy and an incredible player.
“I’ll have a drink for him today and then obviously celebrate his birthday on the 30th.” We were all lucky enough to see him play and some were even lucky enough to form a friendship. We have a couple of difficult days ahead of us.
On the eve of England’s first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, Ben Stokes paid tribute to the former South Australia batsman.
‘It was an incredibly sad time for cricket. Something like this happening on the field is something you never thought would happen.
“It’s very sad to think that someone in the field doing what they love is unlucky enough to lose their life.
“I didn’t know Phil Hughes very well, I had played a few games against him, but when something happens to a fellow professional, you can’t help but feel sad for his family, for his teammates, for anyone who knew him. Also for (bowler) Sean Abbott. For him it would have been horrible too.
‘Maybe it will help you understand a little better why we talk the way we do, you know, that there are things more important than results. If you think about it like that, a lot worse things could happen than losing a cricket match.
A minute’s silence was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday ahead of New South Wales’ clash against Tasmania, in tribute to Hughes.
A documentary, titled ‘The Boy From Macksville’, celebrating Hughes’ life, will also air on Fox Sports, Kayo, Cricket Australia and Channel Seven platforms from December 6.