FIGHTER

REST IN PEACE PHILLIP JOEL HUGHES 1988 – 2014

A couple of weeks ago, not too many people would have instantly recognised his name. Now, his very mention brings out countless emotions, ranging from devastating sorrow and grief to absolute astonishment and bewilderment as to how this tragedy befell such a young, talented cricketer, still in his tender twenties.

Standing at only 5 feet 6 inches tall, he would never back down from any challenge, and was more than willing to punch above his weight – both figuratively and literally. Whether it be in his childhood days at Macksville, in Australia's east coast, where he would rugby tackle people twice his size, or when batting for Sydney's western suburbs, making a name for himself, or even on the world stage, going toe to toe against some of the biggest, most intimidating bowlers on the planet, he was never one to back down.

Anyone who had ever seen him in action would instantly agree that whatever he lacked in grace and glamour, he more than made up for with incredible guts and gumption. With over 50 appearances and nearly 2500 runs for the national side across all three formats, he would give his all, slashing, slicing, slamming, and sometimes comically flailing about, but scoring runs nonetheless. He proved just how important the size of one's heart is, and inspiring countless by doing so.

Recap: On November 25, 2014, the fourth round of the Sheffield Shield commences. In Sydney, Phillip Hughes walks out to bat for South Australia against his former side, New South Wales. Shortly after lunch, at 2:23pm, on 63*, Hughes lines up to bat as Sean Abbott prepares to bowl. Hughes is bowled a bouncer, a routine delivery he undoubtedly has faced thousands of times before, which hits him on the left side of his neck; something which is not uncommon for a cricketer. Yet, this time it was different. Hughes collapses. He is immediately rushed to a hospital, is operated on and induced into a coma, but to no avail. On November 27, Phillip Hughes is pronounced dead.

As the news made headlines across the globe, the world grieved at the passing of a sportsman. Tributes poured in, with our own Shakib Al Hasan, who played under Hughes, one of the firsts to express his condolences. Spare a thought too for young Sean Abbott, who obviously harboured no ill-intentions. One can only imagine the devastation he is in.
Doctors cite an artery rupture in his neck from the blow, which led to brain haemorrhage, as the cause of death. They say this is a one-in-a-million case. Indeed, cricket may never witness such an incident again. But for the family and friends of the one, they have lost 'Hughesy' forever. There have been reports that the proceeds from the upcoming test series against India, for which he was being considered for, will go to brain-injury foundations. In the end Phillip Hughes lost the fight for his life at the age of 25, three days before his 26th birthday, but gained the respect of millions.