The family of Hughes, who died two days after being hit by a ball while batting in a Sheffield Shield game at the SCG, hope his exploits and character will be an inspiration to younger cricketers.
“He shined even in difficult times,” the family said in a statement issued by cricket Australia on Wednesday. “We loved everything about him. He was the light of our lives. Phillip had a deep love for his family and lived his life with respect for everyone around him.”
At the SCG on Wednesday morning, a crowd of around 100 observed a minute’s silence before play began on day four of a Shield match between New South Wales and Tasmania. NSW teammates consoled pacer Sean Abbott, who began crying during the minute’s silence.
“We just tried to get around him and let him know he wasn’t alone today, going through this,” NSW stand-in captain Jack Edwards said.
Through his manager, Abbott was asked well in advance whether he would be comfortable with a game scheduled on the 10th anniversary of one of the sport’s most tragic accidents.
The 32-year-old has forged a successful international career, playing 46 white-ball matches for Australia, but has never spoken publicly about throwing the ball that hit Hughes.
Abbott approved of the match, as did NSW captain Moisés Henriques and coach Greg Shipperd, and was always determined to play.
Abbott bowled beautifully on day four, taking three wickets in a Tasmanian batting collapse that forced the visitors to make a premature declaration. Edwards praised Abbott for his courage in fielding the game, which ended in a 55-run victory for Tasmania.
“The way he went out and bowled, I’m sure it was extremely emotional for him, for everyone, but especially for him,” Edwards said. “To come out and lead with the ball like he does throughout the game, he was very brave today.”
Australian internationals Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry were among those in attendance.
Flags flew at half-mast and players from both sides wore black armbands at the SCG on Thursday, as they have done across the country in Shield games this week.
“He always sought to make those around him smile and enjoy the little things in life, where his beautiful smile would come to life,” Hughes’ family said.
Hughes’ father Greg, mother Virginia, sister Megan and brother Jason Hope. The Macksville Boya documentary about his journey, would further honor his life after its release on December 6.
“We want to thank [everyone] for supporting this effort and to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create a celebration of Phillip’s life,” they said.
“We hope we were able to prove that dreams really do come true and that you will enjoy watching your family, friends and teammates provide more insight into your career from your baggy blue, your baggy red, your baggy green and many more moments in between. “.
International cricket figures paid tribute to Hughes on the anniversary of his death.
“It was an incredibly sad moment for cricket,” England Test captain Ben Stokes said. “When something happens to a professional colleague, you can’t help but feel sad for his family, for his colleagues, for anyone who knew him.
“For Sean Abbott too. It would have been horrible for him.”
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’s just a game we play,” he said.
Hughes, who was 25 when he died, played 26 Tests for Australia between 2009 and 2014 and represented New South Wales and South Australia in first-class ranks.
