This was published 11 years ago
The final glimpse at Hughes' talent
When Phillip Hughes walked out onto the SCG, he had no idea of the tragedy that awaited him.
A talented 25-year-old man on the cusp of a return to cricket's grandest stage, Hughes needed a score to confirm to selectors that he was indeed the man to replace Michael Clarke in the Australian team for the First Test of the summer.
He progressed solidly to 63 with the occasional flourish, as there always was with the banana farmer from Macksville, when the freak accident that would end his life occurred.
Hughes walked out onto the SCG as he had done countless times before.
With Test selection on the line, it was a day of grinding for the normally free-flowing opener.
He kept the star studded NSW attack at bay, playing a part in two important partnerships.
The shots had cut bowlers down to size around the world.
His mother and sister were at the ground watching the innings.
His improved play through the leg-side was also on show.
The prior weakness had been exposed in his first stint in the Test side.
Some of the homespun country technique remained despite years of refinement.
