OTD In 2014 | When Phillip Hughes Tragedy Shook The Cricketing Community
Phillip Hughes passed away due to an unfortunate head injury (Twitter)
On this day in 2014, the cricket world was plunged into mourning following the death of the promising Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, whose life was cut tragically short.
OTD in 2014 Remembering Phillip Hughes: The tragic loss of an Australian cricketing icon
The incident that led to his death unfolded during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Hughes, representing South Australia, was struck by a bouncer.
Hughes was performing admirably at the crease, having just notched up a half-century. On a personal score of 63, he faced a delivery from New South Wales bowler Sean Abbott. The bouncer, which Hughes attempted to play but missed, struck him on the top of the neck, bypassing the protection of his helmet.
The impact caused a cerebral haemorrhage, and Hughes, after a brief moment of standing disoriented, collapsed onto the pitch in a scene that shook players and spectators alike.
Despite immediate medical attention on the field and an urgent transfer to St Vincent's Hospital, Hughes succumbed to his injuries, passing away three days after the incident and just shy of his 26th birthday. His death highlighted the risks faced by batters in the sport and sparked discussions on player safety and helmet design.
Hughes's career, though brief, was marked by talent and determination. In his international tenure, he played 26 Tests, 25 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and a solitary Twenty20 International (T20I) for Australia.
His untimely demise brought to an end a career that, while already notable for several high points, promised much more. The cricketing fraternity, fans, and players worldwide paid tribute to Hughes, whose legacy endures not only in the record books but also in the hearts of those who witnessed his passion for the game.
 "Jatin")
