A moment of contemplation ...

[dizzojay]

I don't know why, but the passing of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes has affected me quite profoundly.  I'm not a sobbing wreck or anything, but I'm definitely a little subdued - just in a bit of a contemplative and reflective mood, I guess.

Perhaps it's because I like cricket; I grew up with the game and I still follow it closely and so I'm familiar with the personalities involved.  Perhaps it's because he was an Aussie and I feel a particular kinship with our antipodean friends, being blessed in having both friends and family in Australia and New Zealand.

Whatever it is, the death of any 25 year old man, regardless of the circumstances is a tragedy.  When his death is so freakishly flukey, with odds against it that resemble a telephone number, it's just horrific beyond words.



My thoughts and sympathy are also with Sean Abbott, the bowler who delivered the fatefull ball which ended Hughes' life. A ball, which on any other day would have simply been any other harmless delivery; the same as countless thousands that Hughes would have faced in his career.

I've always argued that cricket is not the boring and innocuous game that a lot of people think it is; it's a subtly dangerous game requiring razor sharp reflexes, infinite patience and a bloody high pain barrier.  Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm a person who loves being proved right, but I would have given anything in the world not to have my argument proven in such a heartbreaking manner.

I've loved the 'Bats out' tribute that's going viral across the world; cricket lovers everywhere putting their bats on display and photographing it as a show of respect.  That's lovely; it's simple and poignant without being mawkish; so very fitting.

But what I haven't loved is watching this Black Friday idiocy that seems to have erupted here in the UK for the first time ever.  Let's get some perspective here; a 25 year old man is dead; another young guy's life is in tatters, and these morons are fighting over a fucking TV ...

Really???

I can't even muster the energy to hate them.  That's how much contempt I have for them, and I'm certainly not going to dwell on them; I'm refusing to switch the TV on tonight because I can't even bear to watch them.

Earlier this evening, Mr D and I added our own little tribute to Phil Hughes to the masses already out there; it's standing out on our doorstep as I write, and will remain there for the weekend:



It's our tribute, Aussie-style - a bat, a hat and a beer.  It's not exactly the fabled Baggy Green, but Bazza's Lightwater Cricket Club cap is the best we can do.

Rest in Peace Phil Hughes, Baggy Green 408.


63 not out forever.

Comments

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

I'm tearing up again - it was horrible waking up to hear he'd died, such an utter tragedy. And yes, I keep thinking how Sean Abbot must be feeling. They say he's holding up well, but what is he going to be thinking when he picks up a cricket ball and tries to bowl again? I can't imagine.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

I just can't even begin to imagine what that poor man is going through :(

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

What an awful way to pass *hugs* and poor Sean abbot, he must be devastated! I'm sorry this got you so badly hun *hugs some more*m anything I can do?

As for the Black Friday bullshit! It's pathetic. Things don't make you happy!

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Hey, thanks hunny; nah, I'm fine - just feeling a bit maudlin yesterday!
Normal service is resumed!

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

We all have those days hun ♥

[sasha-dragon.livejournal.com]

It was such a terrible freakish accident! I agree with everything you've said about cricket, it seems like such a genteel sport. People forget the speed a solid wooden ball can reach. My heart goes out to Phil Hughes' family and that poor bowler Sean Abbot. I have no idea how he'll ever play the sport he love again, such a damn shame.

I spent yesterday shaking my head at the Black Friday morons, what have we come to when we'll fight over a TV?

I hope you feel a little brighter soon hun *Hugs*

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

I've seen Barry come home with a few bruises, and he only plays at Village level!

Yes, it is a real shame - but now all the great and the good are calling for the game to be examined for safety. It's not that that needs examining, it's the safety equipment. Phil Hughes would not want his legacy to be some watered-down, sterile version of the game he loved.

[leighannwallace.livejournal.com]

I heard about the young man's death over here. I'm so sorry that happened. Definitely a tragedy. So young. That always breaks my heart.

I know what you mean about the Black Friday idiots. That's been going on over here forever. I won't even go into the stores on that day. I swear to you I think the intelligence of the general population goes down a few points every freaking year.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

It was a tragedy; I hope the 'bats out' tribute that has been going viral on the internet gives some comfort to his family and friends.

Yes, and Black Friday? I do believe this year was our first experience of it. Kind of hope it will be the last time too!!!

[tuesdaeschild.livejournal.com]

heliokleia told me you'd posted this so I had to come over.

This is a very fitting and moving tribute to a very talented young cricketer and a reminder that Sean Abbott should also be in our thoughts. I agree with everything you say about the game of cricket and it's potential dangers and if people weren't aware before why the highest form of the game is called a Test Match maybe they'll understand now.

Puts fighting over a TV into perspective.

May you rest in peace, Phillip, and may you watch over Sean as he goes about trying to continue his career. God bless you both.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Couldn't agree more!

[jj1564.livejournal.com]

Just saw his brother on TV speaking at his funeral, and I'm in tears. Such a senseless, stupid accident and a tragedy for both his family and the poor bowler. I like your tribute, and your reaction is completely understandable.

I agree about Black Friday too, it should be banned from the UK and/or shops should have to pay for the police attending. People can be so greedy and idiotic at times.