Phil Hughes is gone forever

If there had to be a black day in cricket, 27th November, 2014 wouldn’t shy away from fitting the bill. Cricket gives joy, cricket gives name, fame and money, but then when cricket snatches away, it takes away things that no money in the world can buy. Phil Hughes will not celebrate his 26th birthday. The 25-year-old Aussie batsman succumbed to his head injury that Sean Abbott’s bouncer caused, passing away as life support was removed.

It’s numbing. How one split second can decide the fate of a young lad, blossoming into a beautiful cricketer. How one ball, one decision, can bind an entire cricketing fraternity together to mourn the loss of a man, who was known in the cricketing circles and the media family for his polite and respectful demeanour.

Growing up on the banana farms in Macksville, Hughes was Australia’s boy next door. From the moment he blacked out at the MCG after Abbott’s ripper hit him on the head, to the moment his death was announced sorrowfully by Cricket Australia, the wishes and concerns have been pouring in. Praying lips have been at work for the past two days. But then, the battle against the fatal injury was lost, yet again driving the point that cricket is a dangerous business.

Twitter was flooded with shock as former cricketers, journalists and fans expressed their sorrow at the profound loss.

Adam Gilchrist, former Australian cricketer tweeted, “No no no no no. RIP Phillip Hughes.”

VVS Laxman, former Indian batsman tweeted: Shocking!!! What a tragedy. Untimely death of phil Hughes. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his soul RIP #Devastated

Cricket South Africa ‏@OfficialCSA: Our sincerest & most heartfelt condolences go out to Phil Hughes’ family, friends,teammates, @CricketAus & fans. #RIP

Arjun Kapoor ‏@arjunk: That’s how fickle life is…RIP Phil Hughes…and my heart goes out to @seanabbott77 ..they were just playing cricket at the end of the day

Sri Lanka Cricket ‏@OfficialSLC: RIP Phil Hughes. Our deepest condolences goes to his family,friends and the entire cricket community on this sad day.

Suresh Raina ‏@ImRaina: Shocked and saddened. Phil Hughes you will live on in our hearts. RIP worst day in world cricket #peace #PhilHughes

Anil Kumble ‏@anilkumble10: Sad day for cricket @CricketAus Phil Hughes RIP. Knew him whilst he came over to MI, thorough Pro..will miss you. @mipaltan

AB de Villiers ‏@ABdeVilliers: Pretoria Heart broken! A very dark day. You will be missed, Phil Hughes. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family & friends.

Shaun Pollock ‏@7polly7: Absolutely shocked to hear the news of Phil Hughes passing away! Thoughts and prays are with his family as well as Sean Abbott!

Gaurav Kalra ‏@gauravkalra75: On November 30 phil hughes would have turned 26….just 26…