by Ben Stokes took a moment to remember there are “things more important than results” as world cricket marked the 10th anniversary of the tragic death of Phil Hughes.
The Australian slugger was just 25 when he died on November 27, 2014, when he was fatally hit in the neck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.
In the decade since, safety measures have been strengthened, with the widespread use of a neck guard on helmets, as well as the introduction of new concussion and player replacement protocols.
And Stokes took time out of England’s final preparations for the first Test in New Zealand to reflect on an incident that shocked the match.
“It was an incredibly sad moment for cricket. Something like that happening on the ground is something you never thought would happen,” he said.
“It’s such a sad thing to think of someone on the field doing what they love and having the misfortune of losing their life.
“I didn’t particularly know Phil Hughes, I had played a few matches against him, but when a professional colleague something happens to him, you can’t help but be sad for his family, for his teammates, for everyone. who knew him. Also for (bowler) Sean Abbott.
“It might give you a better understanding of why we talk the way we do, you know, that there are things more important than results.” When you think about it like this: much worse things could happen than losing a game of cricket.
Stokes’ counterpart Tom Latham echoed these thoughts, adding: “Our thoughts are with Phil’s family on this birthday. It puts cricket into perspective, it’s just a game we play.
Hughes’ family released a statement via Cricket Australia in his honour, writing: “Phillip was a loving, humorous and infectious person. He shined even in tough times, which was a testament to who he was as a person, and we loved everything about him.
“Phillip grew from a small-town country boy to an Australian Test, One-Day and Twenty-20 cricketer, where he played on the world’s toughest pitches, alongside international cricketers the toughest on the world stage, but never forgot where he came from and who helped along the way. He loved being part of a team and representing Australia for the game he loved so much.
A minute’s silence was observed at the SCG on Wednesday during a match between New South Wales and Tasmania.
