Phil Hughes: You shall be missed.

“Condolences to the Hughes kin and strength to Sean Abbott, Cricket is with you in your grief and thoughts.The loss is enormous and we are deeply sorry. We are proud to be a part of the great Phil Hughes story.”

The Little Champ of Australia- Phil Hughes

The moment, from which the tragic news about Phillip Hughes was confirmed this morning, the cricket fraternity all across the globe is in a saddened state of shock. At 25 he was only beginning to settle into his career which was promising from the days he played for The New South Wales team. In his short career he already has the record of the only Australian to score a century in his ODI debut.

The press conference held after his demise was a clear picture of how difficult this phase is for his family, his friends, his team mates, his doctors and for the whole of Australia. Michael Clarke- captain of the Australian national team was delivering the statement on behalf of Phil’s family.

Phil was like a kid brother to him and he barely managed to speak 3 sentences before breaking down. The doctors and other authorities completed the formalities and threw light on Phil’s condition. It was good to know that in his final moments, Phil was not in pain and was surrounded by family and friends.

Phil was an exceptional talent and was going to be a part of the Australian squad in the first test match against India in absence of Clarke.What he would have achieved will always be a mystery, but he already was a hero for many. Hard working, talented and a man who did his job well under all circumstances, Phil a.k.a #408 will always be fondly remembered.

Just 3 days before his 26th birthday, Phil lost his life. A family lost a son and a brother; his team mates lost a dear friend and the cricket world - a remarkable player. Watching the remorse and support outside Sydney’s St Vincent Hospital bought agony to all the cricket fans across the world.

Pakistan and NewZeland declared today as a rest day in the on-going test match which will resume tomorrow and conclude a day later to offer their support. It is an act of respect and a gesture of kindness by the two nations in this hour of sadness.

Amongst all the tension and difficult times, spare a thought for the young bowler Sean Abbott as well. He was the first one to rush over to Hughes when the delivery struck him. The guy must be devastated and needs all the support he can get right now. May the cricketing gods bless him the power and strength to deal with the guilt and fate.