Add Category
New South Wales teammates have consoled Sean Abbott following an emotional minute's silence for Phillip Hughes at the SCG on the 10th anniversary of his death.
Abbott bowled the delivery that struck Hughes while he was batting during a Sheffield Shield match between NSW and South Australia in 2014.
Hughes died in hospital two days later, aged 25.
On Wednesday morning, before play on day four of NSW's Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania, a minute's silence was observed.
Abbott was visibly upset at the conclusion of the minute's silence, wiping away tears before some of his teammates patted the all-rounder on the back.
Through his manager, Abbott was consulted well in advance about whether he would be comfortable with a match being scheduled on the anniversary of the tragic accident.
The 32-year-old has gone on to forge a successful international career, playing 46 white-ball matches for Australia, but has never spoken publicly about bowling the ball that struck Hughes.
Abbott approved the fixture, as did NSW captain Moises Henriques and coach Greg Shipperd, and was always intent on playing.
Loading...Players had earlier passed the plaque commemorating Hughes as they left the SCG's Members Pavilion and took the field.
Australian international cricketers Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry were among those in attendance.
Flags flew at half-mast and players on both sides wore black armbands at the SCG, as they have across the country in this week's Shield matches.
Earlier on Wednesday, Hughes's family issued a touching tribute to the popular cricketer.
"Phillip was a loving, humorous and an infectious person to be around," the family said in a statement issued by Cricket Australia.
Sean Abbott (left) chose to play the Sheffield Shield match after being consulted in advance. (Getty Images: Jason McCawley)
"He always aimed to make those around him smile and enjoy the little things in life, where his beautiful smile would come to life.
"He shined bright even in the tough times, which is a testament to who he was as a person, and we loved everything about him.
"He was the light of our lives. Phillip had a profound love for his family and lived his life with respect to everyone around him."
Hughes's family hopes The Boy From Macksville, a documentary on his journey, would further honour his life after its release on December 6.
"We'd like to thank (everyone) for supporting this endeavour and each person who worked tirelessly behind the scenes for creating a celebration of Phillip's life," said the family, including his father Greg, mother Virginia, sister Megan and brother Jason.
Hughes played 26 Tests, 25 ODIs and one T20I for Australia between 2009 and 2014.
ABC/AAP