RIP Phil Hughes: How Many Sleepless Nights For Sean Abbott As He Says RIP!

Sporting world is in mourning as Australia cricketer Phillip Hughes passed away on 27th November, succumbing to the head injury he suffered while batting in a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground three days ago.

The southpaw was in line to make the cut for the Australian Test side to play the visiting Indian team and was also shy of his 26th birthday.

Playing for a domestic league match for South Australia against the New South Wales, Hughes was hit by a bouncer from Sean Abbott that hit him in the back of his head, after which the batsman lost consciousness and fell prostrate on the field.

He was taken to Sydney’s St. Vincent’s Hospital in a critical state and underwent surgery but never regained consciousness. Hughes was announced dead by Australia team doctor Peter Brukner. Australia captain Michael Clarke read out a statement on behalf of the Hughes family at a news conference held at St Vincent’s Hospital. Speaking on behalf of parents Greg and Virginia, sister Megan and brother Jason, Clarke said: “We’re devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother, Phillip. It’s been a very difficult few days. We appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

“Cricket was Phillip’s life and we as a family shared that love of the game with him. We would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at St Vincent’s Hospital and Cricket New South Wales medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you.”

In his playing career for Australia, Hughes has represented the ‘baggy green’ 26 times in Tests and won the ODI colours in 25 matches. 1535 runs in Tests at an average of 32.65 with 3 tons and 7 half-centuries; Hughes was a loved character amongst the Aussie players.

But even as the cricketing fraternity mourns the passing away of Phillip Hughes, a word of thought for fellow countryman and bowler, Sean Abbott who delivered that bouncer three days ago. In the wake of this tragic accident, Abbot was in despair and distraught with many teammates and ex-cricketers coming in support of the young bowler.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Abbott, would get whatever help was required. “It says a lot about Sean doesn’t it?’ Sutherland said. ‘Sean will have all the support he needs around him. I’m sure his teammates and everyone doesn’t feel in any way ill of him for what happened. It’s a freak, freak incident.’
Sean Abbott and Phil Hughes share a great past amongst themselves. The duo came up through the junior ranks of the NSW (New South Wales) cricketing system and are close friends since.

But after this heartbreaking incident, might leave the youngster shattered in confidence and low on morale. Many fellow Aussies have come in support of Abbott including former Test bowler Brett Lee who said the former did not deserve any of the blame. “You know you’re always on edge bowling fast or being out there batting. When you see something as shocking as this you really feel for Phil. I know first-hand that no one goes out there to try and maim a batsman; no one tries to hurt a batsman,” Lee said to a local news channel.

Abbott recently represented Australia in the ODI series against South Africa and was also part of the ODI and T20 touring party that played Pakistan at Dubai. Even as the cricket world as bid adieu to Phil Hughes, their biggest responsibility comes in showing a hand of support towards the young fast bowler Abbott who is the future of the gentleman’s game.