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[Saba Sports News] During the ODI World Cup 2023 final, Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith wore black armbands with “PH” to honor the late Phillip Hughes, who tragically passed away in 2014 after being struck by a ball in a Shield match.
This gesture followed a tradition of tributes, including Michael Clarke’s homage after the 2015 World Cup win. Travis Head, the star of Australia’s 2023 victory, also bears a tattoo of Hughes and has a cover photo on his social media of them together.
Head, who joined the squad mid-tournament due to a hand injury, played crucial innings against New Zealand and South Africa, including a match-winning 137 in the final. Alongside Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 58, their partnership significantly contributed to Australia’s victory and India’s elimination.
The Australian bowlers, led by Starc’s three wickets and support from Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, successfully restricted India to 240 runs. The Indian team, visibly upset by the defeat, received consolation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the dressing room after the match.