Phillip Hughes legacy will drive us on, says Australia captain Michael Clarke
Saturday 29 November 2014 10:26, UK
Australia skipper Michael Clarke says the team will do everything they can to honour the memory of Phillip Hughes.
He epitomised what the Baggy Green is all about and what it means to us all.
An emotional Clarke paid tribute in a news conference to his team-mate, who died this week at the age of 25 after being struck by a ball during a Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Clarke, who struggled to speak at times when reading out a statement on behalf of the Australia team, also revealed that Hughes' No 64 one-day international shirt number would be retired.
"The world has lost one of its great blokes this week and we are all poorer for it," Clarke said. "Our promise to Hughesy's family is that we will do everything we can to honour his memory.
"Last night I asked Cricket Australia if Hughesy's international one-day shirt No 64 could be retired… to which they agreed – that means so much.
"His legacy of trying to improve each and every day will drive us for the rest of our lives. We’d like to thank everybody here and overseas for the touching tributes in recent days."
There has still been no announcement on whether the first Test with India, due to begin in Brisbane on Thursday, will take place.
Clarke added: "Things are always put into perspective and Hughesy said: 'Where else would you rather be boys, than playing cricket for your country?'
"We’re going to miss that cheeky grin and the twinkle in his eye. He epitomised what the Baggy Green is all about and what it means to us all.
"Our dressing room will never be the same. We loved him, and always will. Rest in peace."
