Hughes service cancelled while Australia set for Test match duty
THE state memorial service planned for Australia Test batsman Phillip Hughes was yesterday cancelled following consultation with family members and Cricket Australia.
Hughes died last month after being struck on the neck by a short-pitched delivery while batting for South Australia against former club New South Wales during a Sheffield Shield clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Around 5,000 people attended Hughes’ funeral in his hometown of Macksville, New South Wales last Wednesday and given such levels of grief and support, all parties have concluded a further service is now unnecessary.
“Last Wednesday’s funeral in Macksville was a wonderful service and a fitting tribute to Phillip’s life,” said New South Wales Premier Mike Baird.
“It was a community event attended by thousands of people, watched live by millions of Australians and observed at a number of grounds around the country, including the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“We consulted with the family and with Cricket Australia, and all parties felt that given the enormous outpouring of support at last Wednesday’s funeral, that a state memorial service would no longer need to be held.”
Hughes has been named as 13th man for Australia’s first Test against India in Adelaide, which was due to get underway today, while his former team-mates will all wear shirts showing the former Middlesex and Hampshire batman’s Test number, 408.