Sydney: Whole cricket fraternity is paying tribute to Australian player Phil Hughes as he passed away after being hit by a bouncer by Sean Abott. Hughes would have celebrated his 26th birthday today.
Hughes funeral was announced to be scheduled for 2 PM on Wednesday in the 25-year-old's hometown on Macksville, on the east coast of NSW, near Coffs Harbour..
Australian captain Micheal Clarke tweeted first message just before 10 PM on Saturday night telling his followers and friends that in just over two hours it would be his brother's 26th birthday and encouraging all to grab a drink and "raise your glass".
"I don't think in 12 years of playing cricket at the top level I have ever come across a more loyal or generous-hearted teammate," Clarke wrote.
Clarke also shared some of his fondest memories of the late Test cricketer in an article for the The Sunday Telegraph which quoted him as saying, “I don't have a blood brother, but I am very proud to have called Phillip my brother. I am a better man for having known him”.
Remembering Philip, Clarke said "struggled to comprehend how this tragedy could happen to one of life's true characters and gentlemen".
Expressing his grief Clarke said, "Loyal to a fault, eternally optimistic, kind-hearted, wicked sense of humour, a child-like verve for life... I really could go on and on."
Emotionally shattered Clarke broke down during the press conference when Hughes passed away.
