Tragedy behind empty seats

The heartbreaking truth behind the image of three completely unremarkable empty seats at the SCG on day one of the fifth Test has been revealed.

The Australian reports three seats in the MA Noble Stand were left empty because the seats belonged to Richard Cousins and his two sons.

The British, who was the chief executive of the world's largest food catering company Compass Group and a keen cricket fan, and his two sons, William and Edward, lost their lives in the New Year's Eve seaplane crash on the Hawkesbury River.

Cousins' fiancee Emma Bowden and her 11-year-old daughter Heather were also killed in the crash.

The Australian reports the seats remained empty for the entire day of play.

Cousins' brothers, Simon and Andrew released a statement on Thursday stating: "We are fortunate and thankful for the outpouring of love and support we've received from across the world."