JUST two years ago, I never knew Phillip Hughes but I admired him from afar.
He was a country boy with an unorthodox technique. He looked ugly but scored plenty.
My good friend and boss, Jamie Cox, and I sat down and identified our recruiting strategy for SA cricket and we both said if we were to import we only wanted the best.
We debated and discussed several names and eventually targeted Hughes. Cox had told me he was an absolute cracker and that I would love him. Never more prophetic words spoken.
I dont need to speak in these pages of what an immense talent he was, others have and will continue to do so.
I, instead, want to share some personal traits about the little man that made him special and perhaps why he had the world at his feet and was universally loved.
Just last week after we had a horrible second innings against Victoria, ultimately a loss, I shut the doors at Adelaide Oval and unleashed on the group.
I made it clear to all present that the respect we had worked so hard to earn had been jeopardised in one unacceptable afternoon of cricket. I did not miss our batting group and demanded they respond this week against NSW.
Hughes didnt like coach speak much and despised long debriefs.
He had told me so. Why? Because he was so honest.
But this time his eyes never left me. Hughes was burning inside at my words.
The next morning I received a message on my phone and one I will cherish forever.
It read: horrible performance... Ill turn it around in Sydney coach. Sorry mate - Hughesy.
It summed him up so profoundly.
He was the most determined little bloke Ive met. He had a heart of gold but was a no-fuss straight shooter.
Ambitious, determined and resilient were words that come to mind in describing the little bloke from the bush.
Off to Sydney we went on Monday afternoon and, after a short, sharp fielding session and team meeting, nets were made optional in an attempt to keep the bowlers fresh for a huge game against NSW boasting nine international players.
Hughes, as usual, was straight to the nets, working on his game until the rain arrived and we were forced inside. He had a glint in his eye.
He knew his great mate, Michael Clarke, was most likely to miss the Gabba Test and he was out to prove against his old team-mates he was the man.
On day one at the lunch break he was exhausted.
He had ducked and weaved as his old mob challenged him in the first session with short stuff.
All fine, no issues, thats what happens in elite sport.
NSW were desperate for the wicket of our key man and he resisted them with the usual spark in his eyes and steel in his veins.
I sat with him briefly at the lunch break, put my arm around him and simply said youre on today mate, make it a big one.
His reply was its hard work, coach, they are coming hard at me, but thats how I like it.
It was a trait that endeared him to everyone he played with.
When the going gets tough the tough get going.
In the second session, he continued on his merry way.
He was on his way to a big one. The Test spot was open and he was charging hard towards it.
On 63 not out, he shaped to pull and missed. Time stood still for a second or two then he collapsed on the pitch.
It was a sickening fall and instantly our team was gravely concerned about what we just witnessed.
We knew instantly our man was in big trouble an image we have not been able to remove from our heads for four days, now.
The man we all so dearly loved was unconscious on the pitch lying in the arms of his opponents.
He would never regain consciousness and, on Thursday afternoon, the worst possible news was confirmed.
His impact in our dressing room in a short space of time was enormous.
He was a great role model for our young team and one we will all sadly miss but never forget.
He was a charming, cheeky larrikin and someone who taught all of us plenty.
All of us at the Redbacks/Strikers are enriched and much better for having spent time with Phillip Hughes.
He was the ultimate family man and loved nothing more than being on the family property with those he loved most of all. In turn his care and empathy for all of us and our families was profound. This was a man with a big heart who had time for everyone.
Little man we all loved you dearly and above all else we absolutely RESPECTED you. You will always be unbeaten on 63 in our minds and forever in our hearts.
