ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Regional cricketers yesterday honoured the memory of Australia batsman Philip Hughes following his passing.
Hughes died in hospital Thursday in Australia three days short of his 26th birthday, after he suffered an injury during a first-class match earlier this week at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Heeding a request from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to pay tribute to Hughes and show solidarity with all those involved with the game in Australia, regional players and officials responded.
They observed a minute’s silence before the start of all matches in the third round of the WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament and are wearing black ribbons throughout the weekend.
Players also lined their bats outside their teams’ dressing rooms with their playing caps on the handles, a tribute that has taken root around the globe.
The WICB also expressed sadness at Hughes’ passing.
WICB President Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron said: “It was with a sense of shock and sorrow that we learned of the death of Philip Hughes and I know that these feelings are shared by all who knew him and played with or against him.
“There is little one can say at such a time, but we would like to express our very sincere sympathy to his family, friends and all those involved with the game in Australia.
“This is truly a tragic loss of a fantastic young player who promised to deliver so much for Australia and who has already done so much in proving his pedigree as a top flight batsman on the international stage.” (PR)
