Phillip Hughes’ family have described the popular cricketer as “the light of our lives” in a touching tribute before tears were shed at the SCG on the 10th anniversary of his death.
The family of Hughes, who died two days after being struck by a ball while batting in a Sheffield Shield game at the SCG, hope his exploits and character will be an inspiration for younger cricketers.
“He shined bright even in the tough times, which is a testament to who he was as a person, and we loved everything about him,” the family said in a statement issued by Cricket Australia on Wednesday.
“He was the light of our lives. Phillip had a profound love for his family and lived his life with respect to everyone around him.”
At the SCG on Wednesday morning, a crowd of around 100 people observed a minute’s silence before play began on day four of a Shield game between NSW and Tasmania.
Blues teammates consoled paceman Sean Abbott, who began weeping during the minute’s silence.
Through his manager, Abbott was consulted well in advance about whether he would be comfortable with a match being scheduled on the 10-year anniversary of one of sport’s most tragic accidents.
The 32-year-old has gone on to forge a successful international career, playing 46 white-ball matches for Australia, but has never spoken publicly about bowling the ball that struck Hughes.
Abbott approved the fixture, as did NSW captain Moises Henriques and coach Greg Shipperd, and was always intent on playing.
Abbott (4-71) bowled beautifully on day four, taking three wickets in a Tasmanian batting collapse of 4-10 that forced the visitors into a premature declaration.
Nic Maddinson and Hughes’ former South Australia teammate Adam Zampa have also been playing in the match for NSW.
Players passed the plaque commemorating Hughes as they left the Members Pavilion and took the field for the minute’s silence.
Australian international cricketers Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry were among those in attendance.
Flags flew at half-mast and players on both sides wore black armbands at the SCG on Thursday, as they have across the country in this week’s Shield games.
“Phillip was a loving, humorous and an infectious person to be around,” Hughes’ family said.
“He always aimed to make those around him smile and enjoy the little things in life, where his beautiful smile would come to life.”
Hughes’ family hopes The Boy From Macksville, a documentary on his journey, would further honour his life after its release on December 6.
“We’d like to thank (everyone) for supporting this endeavour and each person who worked tirelessly behind the scenes for creating a celebration of Phillip’s life,” said the family, including his father Greg, mother Virginia, sister Megan and brother Jason.
“We hope we have been able to showcase that dreams really do come true and you will enjoy seeing his family, friends and teammates give more of an insight into his career from his baggy blue, baggy red, baggy green and many more moments in between, including unseen footage that can be watched for generations to come.”
International cricket figures paid tribute to Hughes on the anniversary of his death.
“It was an incredibly sad moment for cricket,” said England Test captain Ben Stokes.
“When a fellow professional has something that happened to them, you can’t help but feel sad for his family, for his teammates, for anyone who knew him.
“Also for Sean Abbott as well. It would have been horrific for him as well.”
New Zealand Test captain Tom Latham echoed Stokes’ sentiments ahead of the three-match series between the two nations.
“Our thoughts are with Phil’s family on the anniversary. It puts cricket into perspective, it is just a game that we play,” he said.
Hughes, aged 25 when he passed away, played 26 Test matches for Australia between 2009 and 2014 and represented NSW and South Australia in first-class ranks.
