“It is appropriate to pause once more and honour a modest hero who thrilled the nation and in so doing won an enduring place in our hearts”

Image courtesy of: The Evening Standard

Australia will don 408, which was Phillip Hughes’ Test number, on their shirts during the first Test against India in Adelaide.

Cricket Australia have also revealed that the players and team management will wear black armbands in remembrance of Hughes.

In addition to that, both Australia and India will stand before a large 408 painted on the Adelaide Oval’s playing surface while watching a video tribute in honour of Hughes, which will be narrated by legendary Australia captain and commentator Richie Benaud.

Following the video tribute, everyone will be asked to stand for 63 seconds of applause in recognition of Hughes’ final score before he passed away.

Hughes tragically died at the age 25 when he was struck on the side of the neck by a bouncer from New South Wales pace bowler Sean Abbott.

“It has been an incredibly sad time since Phillip’s passing,” Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said. “With the international season re-commencing on Tuesday, it is appropriate to pause once more and honour a modest hero who thrilled the nation and in so doing won an enduring place in our hearts. We hope that the whole cricket community can come together to join the Australian and Indian teams in the pre-match tribute.

“Soon after arriving in Adelaide, Phillip became a crowd favourite playing for Australia,  South Australia and the Adelaide Strikers.

“This is an opportunity for those that embraced him so fondly to say goodbye. We hope that followers of the game will make their way to Adelaide Oval to pay tribute to Phillip and support the Australian team at a difficult time.”