As we mark the 10th anniversary of Phillip Hughes’ tragic passing, it’s a moment to reflect not only on the sadness of his loss but also on the immense joy, talent, and spirit he brought to the game of cricket and to those who had the privilege of knowing him. Hughes’ life, though heartbreakingly short, was a testament to the joy of sport, the resilience of the human spirit, and the beauty of individuality.
Phillip Joel Hughes was born on November 30, 1988, in the small NSW town of Macksville. From the start, he carried a natural love for sport, splitting his childhood between football and cricket. Hughes was a nimble little five-eighth and played alongside future rugby league star Greg Inglis. However, a broken leg eventually nudged him toward cricket, where his talent truly flourished.
Hughes was not born into a family with a lineage in cricket. He developed his craft on his own terms, with a self-taught technique that defied convention but was remarkably effective. His journey to Sydney as a young man marked the beginning of a remarkable career, yet throughout his rise, he remained deeply rooted in his humble beginnings.
As his mentor Neil D’Costa fondly described, Hughes considered himself a “farmer who played cricket”. He loved his life on the cattle farm as much as the sport, and this grounding allowed him to play cricket with a pure, unadulterated joy that set him apart.
In my interaction with him, Phillip was engaging, naturally positive, and upbeat. He was good company and genuinely interested in people. Our longest conversation was about farming, during which he explained to me the intricacies of artificial insemination. He spoke with such enthusiasm and knowledge that it was clear how deeply he cared about life on the farm.
This interest in farming took much of the pressure off his cricket. Hughes didn’t rely solely on cricket for his livelihood—his farming roots gave him a safety net and allowed him to approach the sport with a carefree joy that many envied. It was this balance that gave him a unique perspective on life. His superpower was his attitude.
Hughes played cricket for the sheer love of the game. He approached every innings with a sense of adventure, embracing the challenges and uncertainties that cricket throws at its players.
Phillip Hughes celebrates a century against South Africa in 2009.Credit: REUTERS
He wasn’t just a talented cricketer; he was a genuinely kind and down-to-earth person. Those who played with him, such as his teammates at Wests Cricket Club in Sydney, recall how his arrival transformed the club. Hughes treated everyone with respect and warmth, regardless of their status or role. His ability to lift the spirits of those around him was one of his most endearing qualities.
Hughes’ batting style, unconventional as it was, highlighted his intelligence and adaptability. He read the game with remarkable clarity, using the pace of the ball to score runs in ways that baffled bowlers and thrilled spectators. At a time when technique was scrutinised more than ever, Hughes showed supreme confidence in his unique approach, remaining unaffected by critics. This confidence was born not from arrogance but from a deep belief in himself.
D’Costa described him as a very clever cricketer. Hughes was in the middle of rebuilding his batting with D’Costa when the accident occurred. His move to South Australia had revitalised his career, and he was on the cusp of a triumphant return to the Australian Test team. His determination and work ethic were paving the way for an exciting new chapter in his journey.
The noticeboard outside Phillip Hughes’ primary school in Macksville.Credit: Photographic
On November 25, 2014, during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG, Hughes was struck by a bouncer in a freak accident that shocked the cricketing world. The ball struck him on the neck, causing a vertebral artery dissection that led to a fatal brain haemorrhage. Medical experts have noted that his injury is so rare that only 100 cases have ever been reported. It was a heartbreaking moment, not only because of its rarity but also because it occurred on the field—a place where Hughes exuded joy, confidence, and camaraderie.
The accident was a stark reminder of the inherent risks in sport, yet it was impossible to comprehend such a young, vibrant life being taken in this way. Hughes was just days away from his 26th birthday when he died on November 27, 2014. The cricket world went into mourning, and the tributes that poured in from around the globe spoke volumes about the respect and love he commanded.
In a lifetime spent in cricket, I have only encountered a few players whose injuries or deaths left such an indelible mark. One was Graeme Watson, whose heart stopped three times on the operating table after being hit during an Australia versus The World Test match at the MCG in 1972. Thankfully, Watson survived the trauma.
Another was Martin Bedkober, who tragically passed away after being struck over the heart during a club game in Brisbane in 1975.
‘He wasn’t just a talented cricketer; he was a genuinely kind and down-to-earth person’
Hughes’ injury was a cruel twist of fate. That he was playing at the SCG, a ground he loved, against NSW, only adds to the heartbreak of the story.
His family hoped that Phillip would be “remembered forever,” and there is no doubt that he will be. His joy for the game, his courage in adversity, and his ability to bring out the best in those around him have left an indelible mark. He was a unique talent and an even more remarkable person—a loveable young cattle farmer who played cricket with a skill and spirit that few could match.
On this anniversary, we remember Hughes not for the tragedy of his passing but for the beauty of his life. His smile, his love for his family and friends, and his passion for cricket continue to inspire. In the hearts of those who knew him and the fans who admired him, Phillip Hughes remains forever 63 not out, his score when he was struck on that fateful day 10 years ago.
