SYDNEY: The heartbroken family of late Test Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes will pay an emotional tribute to their lost son by attending this week’s Test between Australia and India here at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Hughes lost his life in November last year after being struck on the back of his head by a Sean Abott bouncer during a domestic match at the SCG.

Read: Australian batsman Phillip Hughes dies in Sydney hospital

Grieving parents Greg and Virginia, his sister Megan and brother Jason are flying in from Coffs Harbour to witness one of the most poignant occasions in Australian cricket history at the SCG.

Injured Australian skipper Michael Clarke will be alongside the family to offer them comfort during his breaks from Channel Nine commentary duties.

Jason, speaking on behalf of the family, said: “It’s important for mum and dad because the SCG is where Phil made his professional mark. And, of course, to be there for the tribute.

“Whether we stay for all five days will depend on how mum and dad are feeling. My sister and I are just trying to be strong for mum and dad.

“We’re doing what we can to support them because that’s what Phil would have wanted.”

The SCG Trust has provided a suite at the SCG for the family and friends to watch in comfort and privacy on all five days of the final Test against India.

As part of the tributes, a permanent plaque will be placed on a wall in the members reserve outside the home team dressing room to honour Hughes at the ground where he tragically lost his life five weeks ago.

Meanwhile, not too enthu­sed by the idea of being back on the ground where Hughes was fatally struck, Australian all-rounder Shane Watson said memories of the late batsman will flood him the mom­ent he steps out to compete in the Test starting on Tuesday.

“It’s the first time I’ve been back here since just before Phil’s funeral. It was always a time that I wasn’t really looking forward to. But in the end, enough time has sort of passed to be able to find my own personal way to be able to deal with what happened to Phil. I’m sure once I get out into the middle and playing, those visions will be coming back,” Watson told reporters.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2015

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