November 27 marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Phillip Hughes which shook the cricketing world. The left-hand batsman Hughes was just 25 years old when he passed away after being struck by a bouncer during the Sheffield Shield match on November 25, 2014.
Playing for South Australia against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Hughes was on 63 when a short pitch delivery from Sean Abbott hit him on the neck.
This caused a rare artery dissection leading to brain haemorrhage. He collapsed on the field and was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital where he underwent surgery.
Despite the medical efforts, Hughes passed away two day later. Tributes were made across the globe with players, fans and officials mourning the loss of the talent.
Never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/cYgyGs3Qas
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 26, 2024
Hughes’ death has awaken cricketing world which brought in various safety measures for the players. The incident forced all cricketing boards and ICC to look back at the bouncer rules, and since then new helmets have entered the fray in order to give more protection to the batsmen.
ICC has also introduced concussion substitute rule in the longest format of the game. With this rule, the batsman who gets hit on the head in the match, can walk away after failing the concussion test and a like for like replacement can come in.
The impact of Hughes’ death was especially on the Australia team, who were preparing for a highly anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy against India.
The series initially scheduled to begin on December 04 was delayed as the team and nation mourned the fallen teammate. Cricket Australia priortised the players’ mental well-being recognising the emotional toll Hughes’ passing away had taken.
Australia wore black armbands and a minute’s silence was observed before play. David Warner, Michael Clarke, and Steve Smith become emotional played inspire cricket, dedicating their performances to Hughes. Clarke’s stirring eulogy at Hughes’ funeral and his gritty century in Adelaide remained reminders of the grief and resolve that defined the series.
India too joined in honoring Hughes with players wearing blackarmbands and participating in tributes.
Hughes is remembered not just for his cricketing achievements including being the youngest player to score back-to-back centuries in Test cricket.
