Sydney, Jan 6 (IANS) A plaque of late batsman Phillip Hughes was unveiled at the Members’ stand of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Tuesday to commemorate the much-loved 25-year-old Australian cricketer.
Hughes was hit by a vicious bouncer during a domestic match at the SCG Nov 25. He succumbed to the injuries two days later, sending the entire cricket community into mourning.
Australia began their concluding Test of a four-match series against India here Tuesday. It was the first time Australia were playing at the fated venue and the occasion was marked by placing a plaque just outside the home team’s dressing room.
Injured regular captain Michael Clarke along with the home team paid a visit to the plaque. Stand-in skipper Steve Smith appreciated the gesture.
“I think it’s great. We’ve just to make sure we’re very respectful to the Hughes family that are going to be down here for this Test match. I think that’s very important to us and very important to them,” he said.
“Hughesy was one of us, he was a good mate. To be able to walk past that and see the little fella. It’ll give us some inspiration as we’re going out on the field.”
Opener David Warner touched it before walking in to bat Tuesday.
“I know when I go to face up at that Randwick End I’m going to be looking down at that spot.It’s going to be tough but I’ve got to try and hold back the emotions and do what I do for the team and try and score runs,” Warner said.
“But every time I come here, every time I walk out on the field, every time I’ve got nothing on my mind I’m going to be thinking about it.”
Hughes was batting on 63 when he was struck by the ill-fated ball on that day.
Warner paid respect to Hughes by kneeling down and kissing the spot of the crease where he fell, before looking heavenwards, when he reached the score of 63 Tuesday.
Warner eventually went on to score his 12th Test century (101) and helped his team post a commanding 348 for two at stumps on day one.
