Devastated Clarke: Cricket was Phillip’s life
A devastated Michael Clarke sat in front of the media on Thursday and read a statement from Phillip Hughes' family, just hours after the Australia batsman had passed away in a Sydney hospital.
Clarke, one of Hughes' best friends, had been at Hughes' bedside for much of the two days since the freak bouncer struck him on the back of the head. The Australia skipper read a short statement from the family before rejoining his team-mates.
Dressed in a shirt and sweatpants, Clarke read from the piece of paper: "We're devastated at the loss of our much loved son and brother, Phillip.
"It's been a very difficult few days, we appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.
"Cricket was Phillip's life and we as a family shared that love of the game with him.
"We would like to thank all the nursing and medical staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket NSW medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip."
He then added, to Hughes: "We love you."
Australia team doctor Peter Brukner, who had announced the news earlier in the day, thanked Clarke for his steadfast support and help over the two days. The skipper barely left the hospital since Tuesday.
Brukner said: "There is one person I would like to pay particular tribute to and that is Australia captain Michael Clarke. Phillip's always been like a little brother to Michael.
"Phillip's family was obviously going through a difficult time, but I'm not sure they could have coped without Michael's assistance.
"I was just enormously impressed at the work that he did and the genuine care and love he gave to the Hughes family."
Latest
-
NewsGeorge Scrimshaw holds final-over nerves to guide Derbyshire past Lancashire
Scrimshaw successfully defended the 10 runs in the final over.
-
EnglandJonny Bairstow and England looking to ‘take the game forward’
Bairstow hit a run-a-ball hundred for the second Test in succession as England fought back spectacularly against New Zealand.
-
EnglandJonny Bairstow century leads thrilling England fightback at Headingley
The Yorkshireman made 130 not out and put on 209 with debutant Jamie Overton to rescue his side from 55 for six against New Zealand.
-
EnglandEngland top order left in tatters as New Zealand gain upper hand at Headingley
The hosts were 93 for six in reply to New Zealand’s 329 all out.
-
New ZealandDaryl Mitchell breaks record with another century against England
Mitchell broke Martin Donnelly’s New Zealand tally of 492 runs in a series in England, set back in 1949.
-
EnglandSuperb James Vince ton leads Hampshire to shock win over Somerset
Sussex’s five-match losing streak came to an end with a 17-run win over Surrey.
-
EnglandAdil Rashid to miss England’s India white-ball series to make Mecca pilgrimage
Rashid has found it difficult to make the pilgrimage due to timings and commitments.
-
EnglandJack Leach pleased with good luck but admits freak dismissal no collector’s item
New Zealand closed the opening day of the final Test against England on 225 for five after Henry Nicholls was dismissed in bizarre fashion.
-
EnglandStuart Broad stars on day one for England but error of judgement proves costly
Broad kept a week of celebrations going strong by striking before a run had been added and followed with the key scalp of Kane Williamson.
-
EnglandMatthew Mott expects England whitewash to ‘light fire’ under captain Eoin Morgan
Mott made an ideal start in his new role with a 3-0 one-day clean sweep of the Netherlands.