SYDNEY: (AFP) - Flags flew at half-mast and thousands of fans and players paid tribute Friday as Australia and the world cricket community united in an outpouring of grief for the tragic death of batsman Phillip Hughes.Cricketers the world over paused to remember the player, and a spontaneous putyourbatsout campaign received a massive response with thousands posting pictures of bats on Twitter.Australias stunned Test team comforted each other in a grief counselling session at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Hughes was knocked unconscious while batting in a domestic game on Tuesday.The 25-year-old died two days later on Thursday from massive bleeding in his brain, becoming one of the highest profile deaths in sport since Formula One icon Ayrton Senna in 1994.Shock at the freak accident pulsed around the globe as Hughes featured on front pages worldwide and flags were at half-mast at Lords, the home of cricket in London.New South Wales authorities announced a public memorial service for Hughes, while next weeks first Test against India hung in the balance.Four players in Australias Test squad -- David Warner, Brad Haddin, Shane Watson and Nathan Lyon -- were on the field when he collapsed after being hit by a Sean Abbott delivery.Six or seven days is not a long time, but right now with where we all are, it seems like a million miles away, said Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland, referring to next weeks game in Brisbane.Sutherland said the understanding and empathy of Indias powerful Board of Control for Cricket has been absolutely outstanding. They understand that these are unique and extraordinary circumstances, he said, adding: We all love Cricket and no one loved cricket more than Phillip. Cricket will go on and it will go on when were ready.Dunya News Tv
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:19:39 +0000
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