NewZNew (Australia) : India’s two-day tour match against a Cricket Australia XI that was scheduled to start Friday has been called off as players mourn the death of Australian batsman Phil Hughes. The decision was made in consultation with the players and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), following the tragedy.
The India players were informed of Hughes’ death Thursday as they trained at the Adelaide Oval. Coach Duncan Fletcher and director Ravi Shastri called the players into a huddle to pass on the news of Hughes’ death in Sydney.
In a statement, the team said it “joins the cricketing fraternity across the world in offering condolences to the family of Phillip Hughes who has departed from our midst. In this moment of grief, we pray that they are bestowed with divine strength to overcome this unfortunate tragedy.”
Pat Howard, Cricket Australia’s executive general manager of team performance said several players from the CA XI have returned home to seek “solace” from their families and the BCCI has also cooperated with the grieving Australian cricketers. “Today we were reminded that cricket is just a game and it is the characters that play the game that make it so special,” he said.
“We have spoken to the players and the ACA and have made the decision based on the best interest of all concerned.
“Several of the CA XI players have returned home to seek support and solace from their family, friends and team-mates. We appreciate the support and cooperation shown by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, team management and the India players who have been nothing but respectful during this tragic time.”
Meanwhile, the first Test between Australia and India scheduled to start from December 4 also remained in doubt.
