WHEN Phillip Hughes collapsed on to the SCG pitch on Tuesday afternoon, it was a stark reminder of the ever-present danger in cricket. The 25-year-old’s death yesterday afternoon rocked Australian sport.
There was nothing unusual about New South Wales quick Sean Abbott’s short-pitched ball but for those involved in the game the batsman’s death was the result of a freak accident.
Hughes, batting for South Australia in a state game against NSW, attempted a hook shot but missed, with the ball hitting him under his left ear as he turned his head.
Hughes was transported to Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital for emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. The 26-Test star never regained consciousness, dying yesterday afternoon.
Swan Hill District Cricket Association president Greg Cruickshank said the severity of the incident was rare, even at cricket’s elite level.
“The ABC commentator and NSW bowling coach Geoff Lawson said in 40-plus years he’s never seen anything like it,” Cruickshank said.
“It’s just an absolute tragedy, but we’ve got to remind ourselves it was a freak accident.”
Cruickshank himself suffered facial injuries when struck by a rising delivery a few years ago.
He said the thoughts of local cricketers across Swan Hill were with Hughes and his family, friends and teammates.
“Speaking on behalf of the SHDCA we offer our condolences to his family,” he said.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Friday’s Guardian (November 28).
