Australia captain Michael Clarke has paid a personal and heartfelt tribute to his “little brother” Phillip Hughes on what would have been his 26th birthday.
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Hughes’ death on Thursday, two days after being hit in the neck by a ball in a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, has stunned the cricketing world.
Close friend Clarke read out a statement on behalf of Hughes’ family shortly after his death was made known while he made an emotional address to the media in Sydney on Saturday as a representative of the Australia team.
And on Sunday, he said in a moving column in the Australian Daily Telegraph: “As I stood in the centre of the SCG on Thursday night, at the spot where my little brother played his last shot, I struggled to comprehend how this tragedy could happen to one of life’s true characters and gentlemen.
“His cricketing achievements – of which there were many – really play second fiddle to the human qualities that he exhibited.
“Loyal to a fault, eternally optimistic, kind hearted, wicked sense of humour, a child like verve for life … I really could go on and on.
“I don’t have a blood brother, but I am very proud to have called Phillip my brother. I am a better man for having known him.”
Clarke added that Hughes, who played 26 Tests and 25 one-day internationals for Australia, could have gone on to become on of the greats of the national team.
“At only 25 years of age he had 26 centuries to his name in first class cricket, and I have no doubt he would have made it 27 last Tuesday. What an amazing talent,” he said.
“I said a couple of months ago that I had no doubt Phillip would have gone on to play 100 Tests, such was his determination and skill.”
Clarke later took to Twitter to wish his late friend a happy birthday.
Happy bday bro. Will love you forever. It has been the hardest few days of my life.
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) November 29, 2014
Several Australian players plus the national team coach Darren Lehmann also used the social networking site to commemorate Hughes’ birthday.
Happy 26 th birthday Bruz! RIP #408 63not out! Love ya mate.
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) November 29, 2014
Happy birthday bruzzy.
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) November 29, 2014
Happy Birthday bras. We miss you.
— Kane Richardson (@KWRichardson23) November 29, 2014
Happy birthday my little mate!! #63notout missing you BRAZ!!
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) November 29, 2014
Happy 26th Birthday BRAZ! I’m going to miss your cheeky smile, but I’ll never forget it #RIPHughesy #408 #63NotOut pic.twitter.com/RRmP4jj2uf
— Peter Siddle (@petersiddle403) November 29, 2014
Happy 26th Birthday BRAZ! We miss u mate! #408 #63notout63*
— Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) November 29, 2014
Happy birthday brother! With us forever!! Just a standard day, walking around the house in your baggy… http://t.co/iK7TlqlNZO
— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) November 29, 2014