The first ODI between India and Australia on 27th November marks the sixth anniversary of the passing away of former Aussie cricketer Phil Hughes. It was on this day that the left-handed batsman died after a fatal accident on the cricket pitch. While playing a Sheffield Shield game, a delivery from Sean Abbott hit Hughes on the back and he collapsed on the field, despite wearing a helmet. The southpaw was rushed to a Sydney hospital for treatment and as per the reports, he has suffered a brain hemorrhage which resulted in his death on November 27, 2014. He was batting unbeaten on 63 when he died.
India, Australia Players To Pay Tribute To Phil Hughes
Meanwhile, India start their much-awaited series against Australia with a three-match ODI series in Sydney. As per reports in Australian media, the Australian players will be wearing black armbands in memory of Phil Hughes. Also, players from both teams will be playing a 63-second applause for Hughes.
It was at the SCG incidentally where Hughes played his last game. All Sheffield Shield matches that were to follow were cancelled as the entire focus shifted towards Hughes. The death of Phil Hughes was one of the most unfortunate incidents in Australian cricket in recent times. Phil Hughes played a total of 26 Tests and 25 ODIs for Australia, having made his debut in 2009.
Incidentally, Team India were in Australia during that time to play an international series. MS Dhoni stepped down as Test captain after India lost the Test series back in that tour. Meanwhile, the build-up to this particular tour has been a huge one as well. This will be Team India’s first series in the post-pandemic era of cricket. They face Australia as the rivalry between the two cricketing giants resume with the shortest formats of the games played first.
The absence of Rohit Sharma from the tour and especially from the ODIs has put India on the backfoot. Though India have good bench strength, Rohit’s absence as experts believe is paramount. Virat Kohli’s approach to the limited-overs series will also be an interesting observation as he returns back after the first Test for the birth of his first child.
