Cricket Australia and the global cricket community paid heartfelt tributes on Wednesday to Phillip Hughes, marking a decade since his untimely passing. The talented left-hander, who represented Australia in 26 Tests, tragically lost his life at 25 after being struck on the neck by a bouncer during a domestic match at the Sydney Cricket Ground in November 2014.

Hughes' family issued an emotional statement, reflecting on his cherished memory: "Phillip, we love you, we miss you, and we are forever proud of you. We think about you every day and are so thankful you were ours. Thank you for being the most extraordinary son and loving brother."

The day was marked by poignant tributes across Australian cricket. Sean Abbott, the bowler involved in the fatal delivery, was visibly moved during a pre-match ceremony. His teammates rallied around him as he wiped away tears. Abbott, a member of Australia's victorious 2023 ODI World Cup squad, had previously spoken of his struggle to cope with the incident, describing it as a "blur" that left him in a daze for days afterward.

Former teammates, including David Warner, reflected on Hughes’ potential. Warner described him as a cricketer who could have surpassed his own career and that of Steve Smith. "I'd like to think he was probably a more complete player than what I was," Warner said.

Darren Lehmann, Australia’s coach at the time of Hughes’ passing, shared similar sentiments.

"He would've played 120 Tests, no doubt about that. He would've just gone from strength to strength," Lehmann told ABC.

Cricket Australia declared Hughes' memory eternal, emphasizing the significance of his score of 63 not out at the time of the incident: "Phillip will be forever in our hearts, forever 63 not out."

To honor Hughes, Cricket Australia announced several commemorative events, including a tribute during the second Test against India starting December 6. Players across domestic matches will don black armbands, remembering a cricketer whose life and career ended far too soon.