England v Australia
Cheika pays tribute to Phillip Hughes
ESPN Staff
November 28, 2014
Michael Cheika has paid his respects to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes © Getty Images
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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has paid tribute to the Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who died on Thursday after being struck on the head by a cricket ball.

Cheika admitted that he cried when he learnt the news of Hughes' death and said that Australian players will wear black armbands at Twickenham this Saturday, where there will also be pre-match applause to celebrate Hughes' life.

"We just want to show that we care," Cheika said on Friday. "Show respect to the family and maybe make people remember the man for another moment.

"I think some of the lads will have crossed paths, and it's just I don't know why there's that connection for some reason. I'd never met Phil but when I heard about it I cried because there's something that touches you about it, how unfortunate it is.

"It brings home that how you've got to enjoy things as much as possible because no one expects that to happen on a cricket field. I've seen many of the messages from English cricketers and I suppose it's testament to the guy, player and person that he's so widely respected. When that has an effect on people who only know him from afar that means something."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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