Flags are flying at half mast at the home of cricket, Lord’s, as the English sporting community mourns the death of Phillip Hughes.
The Australian Test batsman had stints with three English county sides – Middlesex, Hampshire and Worcestershire – between 2009 and 2012 and left a lasting impression both on and off the pitch.
Tributes flowed from the players, officials and fans who woke to the news on Thursday while the England Cricket Board delayed an announcement of next season’s county fixtures until Friday as a mark of respect.
The MCC flag at Lord’s was lowered and flowers were left outside the ground while Middlesex, who are based at the London venue, cancelled their training for the next two days.
“Phillip was a fine cricketer and one who we will tragically never have the chance to see batting again here at the home of cricket,” MCC President David Morgan said.
Andrew Strauss, who played alongside Hughes at Middlesex in 2009, joined a host of former England captains in expressing his deep sorrow.
“What he achieved in the game by the age of 25 was extraordinary,” Strauss said.
“He was unbelievably talented and he was learning all the time and getting to the stage where he was going to play the best cricket of his career.
“So it is a tragedy from a cricketing perspective, although that pales into insignificance compared to the tragedy for his family and friends.”
Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove described Hughes as “a talented, ebullient and lovely lad” and recalled the time the cricketer told him he felt like the clubs `forgotten Aussie’ after following stints by Shane Warne, Simon Katich, Shane Watson and Michael clarke.
“I told him then, and I say it again now, you will never be forgotten Hughesy – you are part of our family,” Bransgrove said.
“Rest in peace buddy.”
Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes, who coached Hughes during the 2012 season, praised Hughes for the time he spent working with younger players.
“He was very humble, good fun and nobody had a bad word to say about him,” Rhodes said.
The ECB and England cricket team released statements to express their sympathies while batsman Nick Compton – who lived with Hughes in London and played grade cricket with him in Sydney – delivered a heart-breaking farewell on Twitter.
“Cuz I miss you so much, never has someone had such an impact on my life, my career, my outlook. devastated and upset. Love you bro,” Compton said.
The tributes extended outside cricket with England rugby coach Stuart Lancaster conveying his side’s sympathies ahead of Saturday’s Test against the Wallabies.
