Like the rest of the nation and the cricketing world local players were shocked and saddened by the passing of the talented batsman last week after he was unfortunately struck down by a bouncer while playing for South Australia against New South Wales. 

The former Australian batsman was in contention  to replace the injured Michael Clarke in the first test against India which has now been postponed from Thursday, with Hughes’s funeral to take place in his home town of Macksville on Wednesday.

Local NSW cricket development officer Shawn Mepham said the local cricket community was keen to pay its respects prior to each game at both grounds but they made the decision to bring everyone together.

“I went down to Phil Shannon’s during the week and we talked about doing a minutes silence and wearing black arm bands at both grounds but Phil thought it would be better to bring everyone together at the one ground and do it in one big hit,” he said.

Mepham said many of the players had already made their own tributes by taking  part in the put your bats out campaign on social media.

“A lot of the players were doing the put your bats out thing on facebook so we knew they would be keen to do something.”

The local cricketers also put the number 408 on the ground as part of their tribute, the figure being his Australia team selection number when he was first picked to wear the baggy green on an Australian tour of South Africa.

Players were scheduled to play following the tribute but play was cancelled due to Saturday’s rain.

Australian players have rallied around the Hughes family and in support of each other as they deal with the sudden loss of a friend and team mate, as well as showing their support for Sean Abbott, the young paceman who bowled the ball which tragically struck Hughes.

Mepham said it had been a big week for the sport of cricket.

“It’s definitely been a massive week, but a sad week.”

Glen Innes representative cricketers travelled to Bingara the following day for a MA Connelly Cup match where they came out the victors against Gwydir see story on page 19.