Australia’s Hughes laid to rest in Macksville

Australia batsman Phillip Hughes was laid to rest in Macksville, his home town, on Wednesday, as the cricket world watched his family, friends, and team-mates say goodbye to the talented batsman.
Hughes died on 27 November, two days after being struck on the neck, below his ear, by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG. The injury caused a rupture in his artery in his neck, and he never regained consciousness.
The entire Australia Test squad, as well as players from around the country, were in Macksville for the funeral, with skipper and best friend Michael Clarke one of a few close people to delivery speeches, prayers and eulogies.
The service was broadcast live on Australian TV, as well as at a live screening at the SCG, where members of the public had been invited by the government in Sydney to pay tribute to 'Hughesy'.
Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland said: "Ever since Bradman, the image of the innocent country boy playing in the back yard, while dreaming of wearing a baggy green cap, has become entrenched in our psyche. It's our foundation myth as a cricketing nation.
"And Phillip loved that dream. The bonds of mateship have been on display from that awful moment Phillip was injured when former team mates rushed to his side.
"And in the week since, the week since, the distinctions between opponents and team mates have dissolved. Every cricketer in the world joined Phillip's team. That display of universal love and respect speaks volumes about this young man.
"It tells us about those who knew him best and what they felt for him. His journey from the back yard to baggy green cap 408 personified the Australian cricketing dream.
"Phillip's joy in playing his natural game was evident to all. That pair of centuries in his second Test in South Africa will be an abiding memory for a whole generation of fans."
Latest
-
News
Joe Root wants England to free themselves from fear in fourth Test against India
The tourists will be hoping to level the series at 2-2 when they start the final match in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Zak Crawley vows England will be more proactive in battle against India’s spin
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel have run riot in helpful conditions.
-
News
Dale Steyn heaps praise on Pakistan trio, prefers PSL over IPL
Record South African fast bowler Dale Steyn is full of praise for Pakistan players Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Babar Azam.
-
News
Chris Gayle sets sights on third T20 World Cup title
West Indies veteran Chris Gayle has set his sights on winning a third T20 World Cup when he makes his return to international cricket.
-
News
Cricket in line to receive significant chunk of £300m sports recovery package
The England and Wales Cricket Board welcomed the support, describing it as “a lifeline for parts of the game”.
-
News
Marcus Trescothick relishing return to ‘special environment’ with England
Trescothick is England’s new batting coach.
-
News
Jack Leach feels here to stay after establishing himself as top England spinner
Leach made his debut almost three years ago in New Zealand but had made only 10 appearances before the turn of the year.
-
News
Kevin O’Brien says century against England helped Ireland ‘reach for the stars’
O’Brien hit a 50-ball 113 as Ireland chased down a target of 328 in the 2011 World Cup.
-
News
Ian Harvey is Gloucestershire interim coach after Richard Dawson joins England
Dawson has accepted the position of ECB elite pathway coach