Phillip Hughes remembered: Michael Clarke delivers emotional tribute to batsman and confirms his ODI number will be retired

MICHAEL CLARKE has delivered a deeply emotional message to Phillip Hughes, revealing that the batsman’s ODI shirt number, 64 will be retired.

Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke is emotional while making a statement at the Sydney Cricket Ground following the death of Australian cricket player Phil Hughes in Sydney, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. Hughes was 63 not out when he was struck by the ball on Tuesday, and that number has become symbolic in the tributes. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

“DO your job.”

These were the words that stoic Australian captain Michael Clarke whispered to himself as he delivered a deeply emotional message to Phillip Hughes on behalf of teammates.

It was another heavy morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday as Clarke fronted the media for the second time since Hughes’ tragic death, this time to share the thoughts of the playing group and staff.

Earlier, Clarke turned up at the SCG and headed straight out to the centre wicket to once again pay his respects and honour his mate.

Then he ventured back to the dressing rooms and prepared himself for what he was going to say.

These are the dressing rooms Clarke says will never be the same again.

Emotional: The captain dabs his eyes during his two minute tribute.

After his address, Clarke completed a private training session with his personal trainer and best friend Duncan Kerr — another man close with Hughes — to help exercise out some of the frustrations and emotions that are weighing on the minds of he and everyone associated with Australian cricket.

During his moving press conference, Clarke struggled through a sentence where he told Hughes’ father Greg, mother Virginia, brother Jason and sister Megan that the players were sharing “the deep pain” that they’re feeling.

The skipper then breathed out loudly, lifting his shoulders as he did so.

Then so quietly it was almost inaudible, Clarke told himself to do his job.

This despite the fact this is no job any Australian captain should ever have to do.

Farewelling a beloved friend and teammate gone too soon.

Tributes paid: Phillip Hughes. Pic. Phil Hillyard

Pain felt around the nation

Children in the Under 8's Cricket competition wear black armbands and have a minutes silence before playing in Putney today. Tom Bermingham 8, of the RHH Blackbeards wears the number 408 on his back as a tribute to Hughes.

Langwarrin and Somerville cricketers stand for a minute’s silence in Melbourne. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Penrith RSL and Springwood Under 12s pay tribute. Picture: @aray8369

Glenmore Park and Glenbrook Under 12s pay tribute to deceased Australian batsman Phillip Hughes Source: @Gpcricket

Elsternwick & Bentleigh Under-12s observe a minute of silence for Phil Hughes before their match. Source: @ajfisher

Jacob Knight, 8, with Wanervale wears a black armband to honour Phil Hughes as he watches his team batting.

The Under 10s De La Salle Seagulls a minute silence for Phillip Hughes. Picture: David Riccio.

Floral tributes are building at the Macksville cricket nets. Picture: Peter Lorimer

The international Bangladesh and Zimbabwe teams pay tribute. Source: @BCBtigers

Clarke spoke for two minutes and seven seconds in the SCG media room, showing remarkable strength to compose himself throughout despite the snapping of cameras and glare of the television cameras.

It was with great relief that Clarke revealed Hughes’ one-day international shirt number 64 will be retired by Cricket Australia forever as a sign of respect to Hughes.

Along with baggy green cap number 408 and his final score of 63 not out, ODI jersey No.64 is now another number that will be remembered forever.

63 SECONDS OF SILENCE FOR HUGHES

FIRST TEST MAY BE DELAYED FOR GRIEVING PLAYERS

THE DAY STARTED IN TRIUMPH, ENDED IN TRAGEDY

“Last night I asked Cricket Australia if Hughesy’s Australian One Day International shirt number, 64, could be retired. To which they agreed. It means so much,” read Clarke.

Clarke has had great success on the field as a captain, but this week he’s defined himself as a leader.

Singled out for special praise by Australian doctor Peter Brukner and other key figures at Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW, Clarke has provided a brave example for teammates in the toughest of times.

Clarke pleaded for patience from the gathered media, “I’ll do my best guys”, before clearing his throat and reading a heartfelt message that summed up the extreme pain players are going through just days out from the scheduled start of the first Test against India.

There was no talk of when cricket will resume, and judging by Clarke’s body language it could be some time until players will be even remotely ready.

Clarke once again did the Hughes family and his teammates proud.

“Words cannot express what we all feel as a team right now,” read Clarke.

“To Greg, Virginia, Jason and Megan, we share in the deep pain you’re feeling.

“Apart from when he was home on the farm with his beloved cattle, Hughesy was at his happiest playing cricket for his country with his mates.

“Things we always put into perspective when Hughesy said: ‘Where else would you rather be, boys, but playing cricket for your country?’

“We are going to miss that cheeky grin and twinkle in his eye.

“He epitomised what the Baggy Green was about and what it means to us all.

“The world lost one of its great blokes this week and we are all poorer for it.

“Our promise to Hughesy’s family is that we will do everything we can to honour his memory.

“Last night I asked Cricket Australia if Hughesy’s Australian One Day International shirt number, 64, could be retired. To which they agreed. It means so much.

“His legacy of trying to improve each and every day will drive us for the rest of our lives.

“We’d like to thank everyone both here and overseas for the touching tributes to Hughesy in recent days.

“Our dressing room will never be the same. We loved him and always will.

Rest in peace Brussy.”