Phillip Hughes’ family honored him as “the light of our lives” in a heartfelt tribute on the 10th anniversary of his tragic death. Hughes passed away two days after being struck by a ball while batting in a Sheffield Shield game at the SCG. His family expressed hope that his character and achievements would inspire future cricketers.
“He shined bright even in tough times,” they said in a statement through Cricket Australia. “Phillip had a profound love for his family and treated everyone with respect.”
On Wednesday, around 100 people observed a minute’s silence at the SCG before the final day of a Shield match between New South Wales and Tasmania. NSW pacer Sean Abbott, visibly emotional during the tribute, received support from teammates. Abbott, who bowled the delivery that struck Hughes a decade ago, approved the fixture and played, showcasing resilience with a three-wicket haul.
NSW captain Jack Edwards praised Abbott’s bravery. “He was very courageous today, leading with the ball in an emotional game,” Edwards said. The match ended in a 55-run win for Tasmania.
Flags flew at half-mast, and players wore black armbands at Shield matches nationwide. Meanwhile, international cricketers, including England captain Ben Stokes and New Zealand’s Tom Latham, also paid their respects, further reflecting on the tragedy’s profound and lasting impact.
Hughes’ family also highlighted The Boy From Macksville, a documentary releasing on December 6, which celebrates his life and journey from humble beginnings to an Australian Test cricketer.
Hughes, who played 26 Tests for Australia and excelled in domestic cricket, remains deeply cherished by the cricketing world.
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