Video: Sean Abbott breaks down on 10th anniversary of Phil Hughes's death

Australian fast bowler Sean Abbott struggled to contain his emotions during a tribute to the late Phil Hughes before the start of the fourth day's play between New South Wales and Tasmania at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Friends and family paid homage to the cricketer on the 10th anniversary of his passing on Wednesday, November 27.

The New South Wales and Victoria players stood in line before the commencement of play for a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of one of the most harrowing on-field incidents in cricket history. During a minute’s silence, Sean Abbott was visibly emotional, with teammates placing supportive arms around his shoulders to comfort him.

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Abbott had bowled the delivery that struck Phil Hughes on the head during a Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG on November 25, 2014. Hughes, just 25 years old at the time, succumbed to his injuries two days later.

Cricket Australia made nationwide arrangements to honour Phil Hughes on his death anniversary.

According to local media, Sean Abbott was consulted by the administrators to ensure he was comfortable playing a match on the 10th anniversary of Hughes’s death.

Abbott managed to overcome the poignant moment and returned to action, claiming four wickets for New South Wales. Notably, he was on a hat-trick during Wednesday’s play.

On November 25, 2014, Hughes had attempted to hook a bouncer from Abbott but missed, and the ball struck him on the neck just below his left ear, despite the protection of his helmet.

The impact caused a rare and catastrophic injury known as a vertebral artery dissection, which led to a subarachnoid haemorrhage. Hughes collapsed immediately and received urgent medical attention on the field. He was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, where he underwent emergency surgery and was placed into an induced coma in the intensive care unit. Despite extensive efforts, Hughes never regained consciousness and died two days later.

Phil Hughes represented Australia in 26 Tests, amassing 1,535 runs at an average of 32. He also played 25 ODIs and a T20I after making his international debut in 2009.

As a tribute to Hughes, players from India and Australia will wear black armbands during the second Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to take place in Adelaide from December 6.

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