Hughes, Phillip

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:39): I rise today to remember the late Phillip Hughes, a young man who was living out his dreams and whose passing has touched people across the world. When I heard the news late Tuesday that Phil had been struck by a bouncer while playing for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground and was rushed to hospital, like the rest of Australia I hoped he would be okay. Tragically he passed away as a result of the fatal head blow, aged 25, in what can only be described as a heartbreaking day for his family, his friends and supporters, and cricket in general.

During my chosen sporting career I too often saw young people die doing what they loved and it is a life-changing experience. It leaves an indelible mark in the approach of every sportsperson's psyche, walking up to that start line knowing what could happen.

Like my father, I am an avid cricket fan and I still find it hard to fathom how a young life could be cut short while playing our national game. The short delivery has been part of cricket since its inception and it is common to see a batsman struck on the body. To think that a bouncer during a game of cricket could claim a life is still difficult for me to comprehend.

I know Phil was, and will remain, a role model to many young cricketers across the world. He made his debut for the Macksville RSL Cricket Club at the age of 12 and went on to become the youngest player to score two tons in a test match and the first Australian to score a ton in his one-day international debut. There was something about his unorthodox batting approach that really appealed to cricket fans and it was evident that his infectious personality rubbed off on his other teammates.

Such was Phil's impact on cricket that tributes have been made across the world amidst the raw and public grief. International sports have paused to remember him and everyone from The Queen to Elton John has paid tribute.

Tens of thousands of Australians put their bats out in memory of the young country lad who loved nothing more than representing his country at the highest level. Not only was Phil a very talented and exciting cricketer, but he was a genuinely good bloke with a trademark smile who earned much respect from his rivals and worked hard to win his place in the Australian team. Phil was a country boy who embodied the Australian spirit, overcoming the challenges before him with a hunger to succeed.

My thoughts are with Phil's family, friends and teammates at this difficult time, and particularly with New South Wales bowler Sean Abbott. An absolutely unforeseeable accident has impacted so greatly on the lives of so many.

For those who would like to remember the life of Phillip Hughes, pay their respects and recognise his influence on cricket in South Australia, there will be a South Australian Cricket Association memorial service at Adelaide Oval tomorrow. Phil was loved, admired and respected by his teammates and cricket fans across the world, and while he is no longer with us, he will never be forgotten and his legacy will live on.