Hughes, Phillip

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL (Mawson—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Recreation and Sport, Minister for Racing) (14:19): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL: It is with deep sadness, on behalf of this house, that we pay tribute to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes. Phillip passed away at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital last Thursday as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic accident while playing for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield game against New South Wales at the SCG. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his father Greg, mother Virginia, brother Jason and sister Megan. Our thoughts are also with Phillip's state and national team mates, the South Australian Cricket Association and cricket players and fans around the world.

Phillip Hughes died just three days short of his 26^th birthday. He made his test debut in 2009 and played 26 matches for Australia, averaging 32.65, including three test centuries. He was the youngest ever player to score back-to-back centuries in the same match. That was during the second test against South Africa in Durban in 2009. He scored 115 in the first innings and 160 in the second, guiding Australia to a 175-run victory. At that time he was only 20 years old and was playing in just his second test. His prodigious talent was on show again in January 2013 when he became the first Australian batsman in one-day international history to score a century on debut.

Phillip Hughes, beloved son, brother, friend, teammate and hero to many, was a cherished member of the Australian, New South Wales, South Australian and Adelaide Strikers teams. He also played county cricket in England and in the Indian Premier League. Born in Macksville, a small town in New South Wales, Hughes played his junior cricket for Macksville RSL Cricket Club and excelled. He was playing A grade at the age of 12.

News of his tragic death has united the sporting world in grief, and the tributes continue to flow from all quarters of the globe for this young man taken too soon. He epitomised the baggy green, what it stands for and what it means to all cricketers, young and old. Few are chosen to wear this Australian symbol of cricketing greatness but Phillip Hughes will be remembered to have worn his cap, Australian player No. 408, with honour and with pride. In a mark of respect and at the request of Captain Michael Clarke, Cricket Australia has agreed to retire Phillip's one-day international shirt carrying the number 64.

Phillip Hughes was 63 not out on that fateful day last week. One of the finest and most moving tributes we have seen for Phillip Hughes has come from our children, with many young players deciding to retire at 63 not out during last weekend's matches. I know anyone who was out watching country and suburban cricket last weekend would have seen the kids lining up before the game with the number 63 painted on many of the grounds and black armbands worn. People like Luke Goodieson, a young fellow playing under 14s for McLaren Districts was one of those kids, who I know very well. He scored 63 not out and walked back to the sheds in a tribute, like so many young Australians, for a fine outstanding cricketer. Phillip Hughes loved playing for his country and will be forever remembered. In his own words, 'Where would you rather be, boys, than playing cricket for your country?'

The funeral for Phillip will be held in Macksville, New South Wales tomorrow. The service will be televised live around the country by the Nine Network and will be streamed into the Adelaide Oval from 1.30pm. The service will be played on the big screen so all South Australians have the opportunity to be united in honouring Phillip and his life at the home of the West End Redbacks.

Cricket Australia today announced revised dates for the Commonwealth Bank series. Adelaide will now host the first test from next Tuesday through until Saturday 13 December. Hosting of the first test in Adelaide is by design, with Cricket Australia believing it is fitting that it should be played on Phillip Hughes' adopted home ground, where it is hoped the match will be seen as a celebration of his life and how much he is loved by South Australians.