Cricket bats have become a symbol of mourning following the death of Phillip Hughes. On Wednesday, in the most symbolic gesture of all, one rested against the Australian cricketer’s coffin as thousands gathered for his funeral in Macksville.
The small Australian town’s population tripled as around 5,000 people, including politicians and sports stars, came to pay their respects and bid farewell. Hughes died last week after being hit by a cricket ball. He was 25.
The televised service, held at the local school, included speeches from Hughes’s brother and sister as well as Australia’s cricket captain, Michael Clarke. Next to the lectern, a suit jacket, white shirt and tie hung on a stand along with three caps, including the baggy green, which is awarded to those who play test cricket for Australia. To the front, a Kookaburra cricket bat leaned on the coffin.
“I don’t know about you, but I keep looking for him,” Clarke said. “I know it’s crazy, but I expect any minute to take a call from him, or to see his face pop around the corner. Is this what we call the spirit? If so, then his spirit is still with me and I hope it never leaves.”
Many in the congregation wiped away tears as tributes were made. The hot weather in Macksville, around 500 kilometers, or around 300 miles, north of Sydney, meant many fanned themselves with service leaflets from the funeral, which was also broadcast live in India.
Sean Abbott, who bowled the delivery that struck Hughes, was among the Australian cricketers in attendance. The community has rallied around the 22-year-old, saying he cannot be blamed for what was a freak accident.
Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott was also at Wednesday’s service, as was Virat Kohli, the stand-in captain for India’s cricket team, which is on tour in Australia.
Hughes’s sister, Megan, said, “I want to thank you for being the most amazing brother I could ask for. They always say you cannot choose your family, but I wouldn’t want mine any other way.”
“I couldn’t have asked for a better little brother. From a very young age you were destined to be our rock star,” added his brother, Jason. “All I ever wanted was for you to look up to me as your big brother…I’ll take care of mum, dad and Megan, and of course your beloved cows.”
When the service was over, Hughes’s coffin was carried outside as Elton John ’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” was played. Hughes’s father was the pallbearer at the front left, weeping. Behind him, Aaron Finch, the captain of Australia’s Twenty20 cricket team, reached out to put a hand on his shoulder.
source: wall street journal.
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