Batsman Phillip Hughes Dies

[Arsalan]

Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke (right) walks up to the Sydney Cricket Ground with his arm around opening batsman David Warner

Tributes including an inscribed cricket bat and ball are seen lying next to a photograph of Phil Hughes outside the Adelaide Oval

 

[Arsalan]

Hugs all round: Friends embrace after hearing the tragic news this afternoon

David Warner

Sean Abbott Leaving Hospital
'Phil would in no way hold Sean responsible': Hughes' friend, broadcaster, Alan Jones took to the airwaves as the cricket community rallied behind bowler Sean Abbott

 

[Bong]

Ban this dangerous game.

 

[Arsalan]

Clarke, one of Hughes' best mates, choked back tears as he spoke on the family's behalf

George Bailey in tears

Brett Lee embraces Mitchell Johnson as he arrives at the Sydney Cricket Ground to pay his respects to Phillip Hughes

 

[Arsalan]

Former captain Ricky Ponting, who was the skipper when Hughes made his debut, arrives at the SCG with ex-teammates

Clarke, who spoke on behalf of the family earlier in the day, held a private vigil as the sun set over the pitch

 

[Arsalan]

Some heart warming images of Phillip Hughes family. All thoughts with the ones he left behind. may his soul rest in peace.

A touching tribute was laid outside Macksville Public School, in the northern New South Wales town where Hughes grew up

 

[BDforever]

 

[Juggernautjatt]

52 years before Phillip Hughes: Nari Contractor shares his near death experience
It's a sad day for cricket. Australian Test batsman Phillip Hughes died in a Sydney hospital on Thursday, two days after being struck on the head by a cricket ball during a domestic first-class match. He was 25.
A somewhat similar incident took place fifty-two years ago. Former India captain Nari Contractor was struck on the back of the head by a rising ball from West Indies fast bowler Charlie Griffith, during a practice match in Barbados. He had a metal plate inserted into his head after his skull was fractured.
Contractor never played international cricket after that incident, though he did continue to play first-class cricket.
Hughes and Contractor both were roughly the same age with almost similar international Test experience and average when they got struck on the head by a bouncer.
In a recent interview to Mumbai Mirror, Contractor was surprised that a batsman can suffer an injury of such seriousness with helmet on. The former Indian captain was bareheaded in Barbados in 1962 when he was struck.

Describing that fateful match, Contractor told Mid Day in an interview, "It was the third over of the innings. The first ball from Griffith went past my nose in a flash.... My partner Rusi Surti had earlier shouted from the other end, ‘skipper, he is chucking.’ I walked up to Rusi and said, ‘you don’t shout across the wicket like that. If you think he is chucking, tell the umpire.’ My concentration was not there because of all these thoughts. Meanwhile, he bowled it and when I saw the ball, it was here (pointing to his face) and it hit me at 90 degrees. Soon, I was bleeding from my nose and ears..."

Contractor lay unconscious in the hospital for over 24 hours before he got proper medical assistance. And, it was no less than a miracle that he went on to play first-class cricket after that accident.

However, when Contractor was asked if a protection gear can prevent such mishaps, he said he wasn't sure.

"I am not sure if any technology or better technology can prevent such injuries. My injury took place in 1962 and it has taken 52 years for another such injury. You cannot ensure anything in cricket. The car glasses are bulletproof and still the bullet pierces through it," he told Mirror.

And in Hughes case, a helmet wasn't able to save his life.
52 years before Phillip Hughes: Nari Contractor shares his near death experience

 

[A.Rafay]

RIP. Truly sad incident.

 

[Omega007]

Very sad incident.

 

[gau8av]

first India Australia test cancelled to give the players some more time to grieve.

 

[sree45]

first India Australia test cancelled to give the players some more time to grieve.

postponed. The match may begin on 7th November.

 

[gau8av]

postponed. The match may begin on 7th November.

oh, cool.. I'd prefer that to an outright cancellation and 1 less game in the series. Let's hope it happens.

 

[Bong]

Bangladesh dedicates it 50th one day win to him.

 

[SrNair]

Rest in Peace.