World stunned by Hughes' death

The Australian flag flies at half mast at the Sydney Cricket Ground following the announcement of the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes. Photo: Jason Reed

The Australian flag flies at half mast at the Sydney Cricket Ground following the announcement of the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes. Photo: Jason Reed

Published Nov 27, 2014

Share

Sydney - Players and politicians expressed shock and grounds fell silent on Thursday as the cricket world plunged into mourning after the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes.

Ripples from the demise of Hughes, two days after he was knocked unconscious by a cricket ball, quickly spread across the planet as the sport reeled from a rare death in competition.

Play was called off on the second day of the third Test between Pakistan and New Zealand in Sharjah, with some players described as distraught.

An image of a smiling Hughes adorned the electronic scoreboard in the empty stadium in the United Arab Emirates, where the 25-year-old recently played for Australia.

At the Adelaide Oval, home ground of Hughes's South Australia team, the heart-wrenching message “Vale Phillip Hughes 1988-2014” was posted on an otherwise empty scoreboard.

Australian legend Adam Gilchrist summed up the shock at Hughes's death with a tweet that read: “No no no no no. RIP Phillip Hughes.”

The batsman collapsed on field during a Sheffield Shield match in Sydney and underwent emergency surgery, but he never regained consciousness.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Hughes “was a young man living out his dreams.

“His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family.”

Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath were among the Australian greats to send condolences along with national coach Darren Lehmann, who tweeted: “RIP you little champ, we are all going to miss you!”

And Indian superstar Sachin Tendulkar led a wave of sympathy from abroad as he saluted Hughes, his former teammate in the Indian Premier League.

“Shocked to hear about Phil. Sad day for cricket,” Tendulkar said.

South African cricketers took to social media to express their sadness when they woke up to the news on Thursday morning SA time.

"What can one say?? :-( :-( Pretty sh*t news to wake up to. #RIPPhillipHughes," Wayne Parnell tweeted.

Former Protea fast bowler Shaun Pollock extended his sympathy to the fast bowler whose delivery caused the freak accident.

"Absolutely shocked to hear the news of Phil Hughes passing away! Thoughts and prays are with his family as well as Sean Abbott!" Pollock tweeted.

Ex South African cricketer Mark Boucher, who lost his eye after an injury he picked up keeping wicket in a warm-up game against Somerset two years ago, also mentioned Abbott in his tweet.

"Lost for words! Holding onto the fact that he is in a better world right now! RIP buddy! Thinking of Sean and the family! God do your work!" Boucher said.

The world's top-ranked Test bowler, Dale Steyn tweeted: "Totally saddened by the passing of our cricket brother and friend Phil Hughes. Terrible loss! Deepest condolences 2 his family! #RIPHughes."

JP Duminy: "May you RIP Hughesey. Words cannot explain one's feelings right now. Prayers are with his family, friends and Teammates.. #RIPPhilHughes"

AB De Villiers: "Heart broken! A very dark day. You will be missed, Phil Hughes. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family & friends."

Vernon Philander: "My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Philip Hughes. May God be with you during this difficult time. RIP"

Faf Du Plessis: "No man.shocking news that Phil Hughes has passed away.cant believe it.Everyone close to him will be in my prayers.#cricketingfamily"

Cricket SA: "Our sincerest & most heartfelt condolences go out to Phil Hughes' family, friends,teammates, (at)CricketAus & fans. #RIP"

International Cricket Council chief executive David Richardson said: “All those who play, have played or are in any way connected to the game are devastated by the news.”

There was also sympathy for New South Wales paceman Sean Abbott, who bowled the ball that felled Hughes.

“How will he will continue? He is dealt a blow to his career and he needs counselling, which I am sure must have started, and needs to stay calm,” former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis told AFP.

England's Ian Bell tweeted: “Please spare a thought for Sean Abbott too. Horrendous.”

Sapa-AFP

Related Topics: