With a record-breaking performance against South Africa in 2009, Phil Hughes had made a magnificent entry into the cricket world. He became the youngest batsman, at just 20 years and 96 days, to score a century in both innings of a Test match, against a world-class Proteas attack
New Delhi: In a freakish accident on the cricket field, talented Australian batsman Phil Hughes had tragically passed away four years ago on this day (November 27) at a young age of 25.
Hughes was struck in the neck by a bouncer from Sean Abbott while batting for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales (NSW), his former team, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). He died in hospital, three days before his 26th birthday.
Hughes was 63 not out when he took that fatal blow as he pushed for selection for the first Test of the 2014-15 summer.
The batsman’s untimely death saw an outpouring of emotion. The likeable country kid made an impact both at home and abroad, wherever he went and whoever he met.
Hughes’ tragic death changed things in Australian cricket and across the globe.
In the wake of recommendations made by the Curtain Report - an independent investigation commissioned by Cricket Australia (CA), a concussion and head trauma policy was created, which features a concussion substitute rule.
With a record-breaking performance against South Africa in 2009, Hughes had made a magnificent entry into the cricket world. He became the youngest batsman, at just 20 years and 96 days, to score a century in both innings of a Test match, against a world-class Proteas attack.
The left-hander went on to make a mark in limited overs format too as he became the first Aussie to script a century on One-Day International debut.
Hughes set yet another record in 2014, by smashing a six off the final ball against South Africa in Darwin, to become the first Australian male cricketer to post a double century in a List A game.
Hughes was born and bred in the NSW rural town of Macksville, where he would regularly return to hand over juniors with their awards at cricket presentation ceremonies.
In his honour, the people of Macksville had poured their emotion, time and money into recognising and immortalising their favourite son by building a new bridge last year.
Also, jointly funded by the Nambucca Shire Council and the NSW government, Thistle Park Cricket Oval underwent a $331,000 redevelopment, and re-named it as Phillip Hughes Oval.
Taken away too soon, Hughes will forever live on in the hearts and minds of his family, friends and cricket fans across the globe. His legacy will continue in the sport.
Phil Hughes will forever be 63 not out.
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