Phillip Hughes: Best Moments of the Australian's International Career
The death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes has left the world in shock and made an impact far beyond the sport of cricket.
The 25-year-old’s tragic death cut short a career that promised much in international cricket, having already been part of some memorable moments in the Baggy Green.
Fans everywhere are left to reflect on a tenure that was cruelly ended before it could really begin, but there are still plenty of positives to take from Hughes’ time in the game.
Let’s take a look back at his highlights.
Test Debut vs. South Africa (2009)
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Hughes was presented with his Baggy Green cap on debut against South Africa in the first Test in Johannesburg in 2009.
It did not prove to be a happy start for the left-hander, as he was dismissed from just his fourth ball for a duck, caught behind by Mark Boucher off Dale Steyn.
However, things improved a great deal second time around, as he hit 75 from 121 balls before being removed by Paul Harris to help the Australians take victory by 162 runs.
Two Centuries in Second Test (2009)
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The following game in Durban against the Proteas showed Hughes at his best, as he hit consecutive centuries and helped the Australians to a 175-run win.
First time around, the opener hit 115 and dominated the opening partnership with Simon Katich, which totalled 184 before Hughes was caught by Neil McKenzie off Jacques Kallis.
The left-hander did even better in the second innings with 160 as the Baggy Green pushed for a declaration to complete a superb individual performance and aid another victory.
Century Against Sri Lanka (2011)
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In 2011, Hughes was now opening the innings with all-rounder Shane Watson, but he started the third Test in Colombo with a second-ball duck.
However, second time around he more than made up for his earlier failure with 126, in what would prove to be his third and final Test century.
It was not quite enough to help the visitors to victory in that game, but they won the series 1-0 thanks to an earlier win in Galle.
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ODI Century on Debut (2013)
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One of three players to make their Australia one-day international debuts in a single game, Hughes opened against the Sri Lankans in the first ODI in Melbourne in 2013.
He looked in superb form as he hammered 112 from 129 balls, becoming the first Australian to reach three figures on ODI debut.
It made a superb difference, too, as the home side triumphed by 107 runs.
Another ODI Century in the Same Series (2013)
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Hughes was demoted to No. 3 later in the series, replaced by Matthew Wade and David Warner at the top of the order by the time of the fifth ODI.
Coming to the crease in the seventh over, Hughes hit an unbeaten 138 and dominated Australia’s final total of 247-5.
That would be more than enough, as the hosts won by 32 runs and took a share of the series.
Record Partnership with Ashton Agar (2013)
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Hughes made appearances in three Ashes series, and one of his best contributions came in Nottingham during the 2013 edition.
Australia’s first innings crumbled all around him at No. 6, and at one stage the visitors were 117-9 with just 20-year-old debutant Ashton Agar left.
A brilliant effort followed, as Hughes and Agar put on 163 to break the world record for the highest 10th-wicket partnership and take the Australians into the lead.
It was not enough for a Test win, but it ensured Hughes’ name will be immortalised in a world record.
It would also prove to be his penultimate Test, as the left-hander was dropped after the second Test at Lord’s and never picked for his country in the longest form again.
243* for Australia "A" vs. South Africa "A" (2014)
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Hughes experienced a revival in his international fortunes earlier this year as he appeared for Australia in ODIs and looked set to win back his Test place.
He was selected to lead Australia’s “A” side against their South African counterparts and responded with an unbeaten 243 in the second unofficial Test in Townsville.
Made from 440 balls, it was a timely reminder of his considerable ability, and while the Australians did not win the series, it was a superb contribution.
Given recent events, it was one last look at a supremely talented batsman before his untimely death.
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