Macksville (Australia), Dec 3: Prime Ministers, cricketers and fans paid tributes to the late Australian batsman Phil Hughes who was laid to rest today in his home town of Macksville.
Hughes died last week (November 27) at the age of 25 after being struck in the neck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Today, at the funeral service of Hughes in Macksville, thousands of people gathered to pay their respects. (Brother Jason's letter to Hughes: 'I will take good care of Mum, Dad, Megan')
On Twitter, cricketers including batting legend Sachin Tendulkar and several others remembered Hughes. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi too paid his tribute to Hughes. Tony Abbott, the Australian Prime Minister was at the funeral service held at the Macksville Recreation Centre. (Photos of Hughes' final journey)
One of the most moving tributes came from Australia captain Michael Clarke, who was also a pallbearer, at the funeral service. (Read and watch Clarke's speech)
Here are some of the tributes from Twitter, to Hughes
Tweet from PM Narendra Modi
Heart-rending funeral in Australia. Phil Hughes, we will miss you. Your game & exuberance won you fans all over! RIP.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 3, 2014
Will miss you Phil. Your enthusiasm to learn and drive for perfection was most impressive. #FarewellHughes pic.twitter.com/5tpK0asSFg
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 3, 2014
Phil Hughes RIP...#63notout cricket will miss you
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) December 3, 2014
This funeral shows how many life's the little man touched, the game is surely poorer without you.#RIPPhillipHughes
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) December 3, 2014
Solemn somber funeral service punctuated with cheeky humor as might've been Hughes' country character is worthy of all tributes dying young!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) December 3, 2014
I couldn't watch the funeral...I tried #PhilHughes
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 3, 2014
Australian PM Tony Abbott
A sad, poignant, beautiful service to celebrate the life of Phillip Hughes today in Macksville #RIPPhillipHughes
— Tony Abbott (@TonyAbbottMHR) December 3, 2014
Sir Vivian Richards
My heart goes out to the family, friends & the people of Macksville honouring their favourite son Phillip today. Viv pic.twitter.com/fMiXZHuhcU
— Viv Richards (@vivrichards56) December 3, 2014
While he wasn't with us in Macksville to farewell Hughesy with us, Nugget also said goodbye @ Adelaide Oval. #PH408 pic.twitter.com/pQZuIz7SJX
— Callum Ferguson (@calferguson12) December 3, 2014
Please take your time to learn a little more with our #63bats #PhillipHughes celebration & sign the condolence books. pic.twitter.com/INKM1w5SSK
— Sydney Cricket Grnd (@scg) December 3, 2014
Sending my caring thoughts to the Hughes family & everyone in Macksville today, you remain in our hearts forever #63notoutforever #408
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 2, 2014
Parents that have lost children, the rest of us have no clue to the pain. Arohanui, Mr & Mrs Hughes. Take care, we're always here to help.
— Iain O'Brien (@iainobrien) December 3, 2014
Spin legend Shane Warne
Tough day ahead mourning this little champion today. Lot's of tears will be shed talking about… http://t.co/jniAVFNsZZ
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) December 2, 2014
Going to sleep tonight with my thoughts with all in Macksville and Australia.... #RIPPhilHughes
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) December 2, 2014
Former England captain Michael Vaughan
See you at Tea.... #riphughesy http://t.co/GgSXP3zZIG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 3, 2014
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