STATEMENT
PHILLIP HUGHES
A freak accident and a truly tragic piece of misfortune have stolen the life of Phillip Hughes, just a few days before his 26th birthday.
For New South Wales, for South Australia and for his country, Phillip Hughes brought so much more to the dressing room than a piercing cut shot and prodigious talent.
He was a much-loved teammate, a country boy made good whose fighting qualities were admired in equal measure by friend and rival.
Before anything else, Phillip Hughes was a son and a brother.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family today, who were at his side for his peaceful passing.
Today we also think of Sean Abbott – a young man who did nothing wrong.
Right now Sean should know that Australians, indeed cricket-lovers everywhere, share his grief.
We wish him strength in this dark hour.
The game of cricket was enriched by Phillip Hughes’ life – and it will be different after his death.
Today Australia’s cricket family will be grieving.
And all of us have been reminded that life is bigger, more precious and more fickle than any game.
May he rest in eternal peace.
THURSDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: LEADER’S OFFICE MEDIA UNIT 02 6277 4053
