Sean Abbott, whose ball hit Phillip Hughes, broke down on the 10-year anniversary of the late star’s death. Look

Sean Abbott was seen wiping away tears as family and friends paid tribute to late Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes on Wednesday to mark the 10-year anniversary of his tragic death after being hit in the neck during a game. Abbott delivered the fatal blow that struck Hughes during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia in 2014 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. NSW players consoled Abbott with emotional tributes, including observing a minute’s silence, before kick-off on day four of their Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania at the SCG.

Hughes, who played 26 Tests, 25 ODIs and one T20I for Australia, died three days before his 26th birthday.

Sheffield Shield players have been wearing black armbands at matches since Saturday as a sign of respect for Hughes.

“Today marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of our dear son and brother Phillip Joel Hughes,” the family said in a statement.

“Philip was a loving, humorous and infectious person.” Abbott was consulted in advance about whether he would go ahead with the match, scheduled to mark the anniversary of one of the saddest moments in Australian sport, local media reported.

The family further said, “He always strived to make those around him smile and enjoy the little things in life, which brought his beautiful smile to life. He shone brightly even in difficult times, which is a testament to who he was. man, and we liked everything about him.

“He was the light of our lives. Philip deeply loved his family and lived his life with respect for everyone around him.

Cricket Australia has pre-planned a series of initiatives to mark the 10th anniversary of Hughes’ death, including a tribute ahead of the start of the second Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval, scheduled for December 6-10.

“Philip, a country boy from a small town, became an Australian Test, One-Day and 2020 cricketer where he played on the toughest pitches around the world alongside some of the toughest cricketers on the world stage, but never forgot where he came from and who helped along the way,” the family said in a statement.

“He was a unique individual who took risks and adventurous steps to achieve his dream of becoming Test baggy green number 408.

“He played cricket for all the right reasons and was able to take it all in stride. He loved being part of the team and representing Australia in the game he loved so much.” Cricket Australia, which produced a special documentary on him, will broadcast it ahead of the second Test between India and Australia as part of a two-week commemorative programme.

After hitting 63, Hughes lost consciousness before undergoing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and was subsequently taken to Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was placed in an induced coma.

Hughes, however, was unable to recover from the blow and died on November 27. The left-hander was considered one of the up-and-coming Australian cricketers as the team went through a transition phase.

In the Australia-India Test at Adelaide, which followed his death a decade ago, the left-hander was named the home team’s 13th man at 63 (the score he batted in his last match) with seconds of applause observed before the game.

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