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[Saba Sports News] On the ninth anniversary of Phillip Hughes’ tragic passing, prominent Australian cricketers David Warner, Steve Smith, and Michael Clarke paid heartfelt tributes to their late teammate. The date, November 27, marks a somber moment in the history of cricket, particularly Australian cricket, as it commemorates the loss of Hughes, who was a beloved figure in the sport.
Phillip Hughes, a talented batsman, met with an unfortunate incident on November 25, 2014, during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. While batting, he was struck on the neck by a bouncer, a fast, short-pitched cricket ball. This blow tragically led to a vertebral artery dissection, a rare but severe injury where the layers of the artery wall tear, allowing blood to enter and create a blockage.
The injury caused by the bouncer led to a subarachnoid haemorrhage in Hughes. A subarachnoid haemorrhage is a life-threatening type of stroke caused by bleeding into the space surrounding the brain. This condition rapidly worsened, ultimately resulting in Hughes’ untimely death two days later, on November 27, 2014, just days before his 26th birthday.
Hughes’ death was a shocking and deeply saddening event for the cricket community worldwide. It led to an outpouring of grief and sparked conversations about player safety, particularly concerning protective gear and protocols around fast bowling.
David Warner, Steve Smith, and Michael Clarke, who were not just his teammates but also close friends, joined the cricket community in remembering Hughes. Their tributes reflect the deep impact Hughes had on his peers and the sport at large. His memory continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the cricket community, serving as a stark reminder of both his talent and the importance of safety in the sport.