Abbott consoled during emotional SCG tribute Phillip Hughes

3 hours ago

The Sydney Morning Herald

NSW players consoled Sean Abbott as they stood for an emotional tribute to Phillip Hughes before play on day four of their Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania at the SCG on Wednesday morning.

Phillip Hughes - Figure 1 — Photo The Sydney Morning Herald

Abbott, who bowled the bouncer that struck Hughes during a Shield match between NSW and South Australia at the SCG on November 25, 2014, joined teammates for a minute’s silence 10 years to the day since the 25-year-old died as a result of that blow.

The bowling all-rounder had been given the choice to sit out the match but wanted to play and has been well-supported by teammates and Cricket NSW.

At 10.20am on Wednesday, with Blues coach Greg Shipperd to his left, Abbott was visibly upset as the minute’s silence came to an end on the SCG outfield.

Some teammates gave Abbott a pat on the back as he wiped his eyes with his hand.

He headed back to the dressing-rooms with teammates before taking the field at 10.30am, with NSW in the field against Tasmania for the final day of the match.

With Tasmania 4-236 after 63 overs, Abbott came on to bowl the second over of the day and not long after took two wickets in two balls. He snared second innings figures of 4-71 from 16 overs before Tasmania declared, setting the Blues 295 to win.

Abbott, who has carved out an excellent cricket career, has never spoken about the incident involving Hughes. He attended Hughes’ funeral in Macksville 10 years ago.

NSW cricketer Sean Abbott (centre) with teammates Adam Zampa (left) and Matt Gilkes (right).Credit: Kate Geraghty

Adam Zampa, who was playing alongside Hughes for South Australia in the match 10 years ago, stood two down from Abbott, wearing a black armband like his fellow teammates. Blues opener Nic Maddinson was the only other player involved in this match who was at the SCG on that fateful day.

Australian Cricketers’ Association boss Todd Greenberg, Venues NSW chairman David Gallop and Venues NSW chief executive Kerrie Mather were also in attendance. Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner, members of Australia’s women’s team, sat in the stands and paid tribute alongside other cricket fans.

So, too, were John Orchard, the NSW cricket team’s doctor from that day in 2014 and a number of cricketers.