Published: Dec 03, 2014, 09:47 AM (IST)
Edited: Dec 03, 2014, 09:48 AM (IST)
Dec 3, 2014
Michael Clarke, the Australian captain, paid rich tribute to his friend and former teammate Phillip Hughes during the latter’s funeral in Macksville, New South Wales. Clarke spoke at the service, which was held in the Macksville High School. Hughes was hit by a bouncer on the back of the head last week and passed away after two days in the hospital.
Clarke said, “He would definitely be calling me a sook right now, that’s for sure. I’m deeply honoured to have been asked by Phillip’s family to speak today. I am humbled to be in the presence of you, his family, his friends and his community. He was so proud of Macksville and it is easy to see why today. Taken from the game, his family and loved ones at the age of just 25, he left the mark on our game that needs no embellishment. I don’t know about you, but I keep looking for him. I know it is crazy but I expect any minute to take a call from him or to see his face pop around the corner. Is this what we call the spirit? If so, then his spirit is still with me. And I hope it never leaves.”
Clarke also spoke about making the walk to the wicket at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Hughes was felled by the bouncer. “I walked to the middle of the SCG on Thursday night, those same blades of grass beneath my feet where he and I and so many of his mates here today have built partnerships, taken chances and livered out the dreams we paint in our heads as boys. The same stands where the crowds rose to their feet to cheer them on and that same fence he sent the ball to time and time again. And it is now forever the place where he fell. I stood there at the wicket, I knelt down and touched the grass, I swear he was with me. Picking me up off my feet to check if I was okay. Telling me we just needed to dig in and get through to tea. Telling me off for that loose shot I played. Chatting about what movie we might watch that night. And then passing on a useless fact about cows. ”
Clarke was moved to tears during his tribute and some of his teammates also could not hold back his tears. “His spirit has brought us closer together. Something I know must be him at work because it is so consistent with how he played and lived. He always wanted to bring people together and he always wanted to celebrate his love for the game and its people,” Clarke said.
The Australian captain concluded by saying “Rest in peace my little brother, I’ll see you out in the middle.”
Complete coverage of Phil Hughes’ tragic demise
