On the ninth anniversary of Phillip Hughes’s shocking death on November 27, cricketers came together to remember the former Australian opening batter.
Hughes’ teammates, David Warner and Steven Smith, were among the first to pay tribute to their cherished friend and comrade. Smith shared a photo alongside Hughes, captioning it ‘9 years; I miss you bruz 408,’ while Warner, who shared a strong bond with Hughes, posted a picture of the two with the caption ‘408 miss your brass.’
Apart from Smith and Warner, former Australia captain Michael Clarke and current stand-in-captain Matthew Wade also offered heartfelt tributes to Hughes.
It’s been nine years since the cricketing world stood still upon Hughes’s tragic passing on November 27, 2014. He suffered a fatal blow while batting for South Australia against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground during a Sheffield Shield match on November 25, 2014. Despite wearing a helmet, the ball struck an unprotected area just below his left ear, causing him to collapse unconscious on the ground.
Hughes suffered a brain injury. Two days later, without gaining consciousness, the youngster left for his heavenly abode in what is considered one of the darkest days in cricketing history.
Hughes’ tragic passing also prompted advancements in protective gear in the sport, leading to improved helmets and neckguards. The former Australia opener has been remembered by his teammates in different ways since.
Featuring in his second World Cup final since 2015, speedster Mitchell Starc wore a black armband on his right hand with Hughes’ initials ‘PH’ embroidered on it—a gesture that was praised and appreciated throughout the cricketing community.
Not only did Australian cricketers pay their respects, but countries like Nepal, New Zealand, and England also honored Hughes.
In his cricket career, Hughes played 26 Tests, scoring 1535 runs, and participated in 25 ODIs, amassing 826 runs.