Phil Hughes punched by a stranger in a bar

Australia’s axed Test opener Phil Hughes was punched by a stranger while he was drinking, and lost his shirt during the melee that took place at the Star Hotel in Macksville on the Boxing Day.

According to eyewitnesses, Hughes, who spent the day at the Bowraville Races before arriving at the Star Hotel, was involved in a bust-up with another patron Monday night. They were involved in a scuffle and the cricketer was escorted from the premises by pub security. The incident was not reported to police.

Hughes’ manager James Henderson said that, while there was an altercation, Hughes was not the instigator.

“Phil was with a big group of friends and family and they were approached by another guy who had had a bit to drink and was giving (Hughes) some lip. The man who punched Phil wasn’t with his group at all. He just came at Phil and hit him for whatever reason and he was later escorted from the premises,” Henderson was quoted as saying by The Herald Sun.

“Phil was not escorted from the hotel. He came back after changing his shirt and stayed on until it closed just after 9 p.m.,” Henderson said.