Published: Feb 29, 2016, 05:34 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 29, 2016, 05:41 PM (IST)
The tragic day of November 27, 2014 shook the whole cricket fraternity as the young Australian cricketer Phil Hughes suffered a tragic blow on the field and succumbed to death after few days. At that time, the New Zealand cricket team were playing their third Test against Pakistan at Sharjah which started on November 26, 2014. Also Read: 11 memorable quotes by Brendon McCullum
At stumps on Day 1, Pakistan were comfortably placed at 281 for the loss of three wickets. The next day, one of the most fateful news arrived as Hughes was no more. As a tribute to him, both the teams decided not to play the second day of the Test and rendered an emotional huddle near the boundary. Their t-shirts had initials ‘P H ‘written as it indicated Phil Hughes. They also put their bats out to observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect towards him and wore black arm-bands which was enough to portray their homage.
When the play resumed on day three, the game was without emotions and lacked intensity. Pakistan stumbled to 351 in their first innings but there were no celebrations witnessed after any wicket. The Kiwis also decided against bowling short-pitch stuff at the Pakistani batsmen. As the video which was posted by SKY Sport NZ on YouTube channel clearly shows, Kiwi fielders were hardly amused.
When New Zealand came out to bat, Brendon McCullum went blitzkrieg and smashed another double-century to steer his side to a dominating position. But there was hardly any joy on his face as he along with entire team was saddened by the Hughes incident.
The stress and trauma reflected on McCullum’s face but he played his natural game. New Zealand posted a mammoth 690 in their first innings and gained a massive lead. Pakistan in reply to which were once again bamboozled for a score of 259 as New Zealand won the game by an innings and 80 runs. There was a formal joy on their faces but behind those smiling faces they were hiding a lot of emotions.
They may be rivals on the field but the game teaches us sportsmanship and to stand by each other during crisis. This act of New Zealand earned them massive praise around the globe and moments like these are what keep the true spirit of the game ignited. McCullum has certainly proved why he is among the greats of the game and gave a testament of his sportsmanship through this act.
