It's been a decade since the tragic death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, a talented left-handed batsman whose life was cut short by a freak accident on the field. On November 25, 2014, Hughes was struck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, succumbing to his injuries two days later.
The cricketing world was left shaken by the incident, with many calling for greater safety measures to be implemented in the sport. So, 10 years on, how much has cricket really changed? Have the lessons learned from Hughes' death had a lasting impact on the game, or has it been business as usual?
Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann recently revealed that Hughes had been on the verge of a major secret announcement before his death. Lehmann has been carrying the secret for 10 years, but has now chosen to share it, saying he and Hughes had been about to tell the world at the time of the batsman's passing.
'That was all done': Lehmann's words have sparked widespread interest, but also sadness. Could Hughes' untimely death have been avoided? Probably not. However, it has prompted debate about the dangers of cricket and what can be done to mitigate those risks.
One thing that has changed significantly since Hughes' death is the use of concussion protocols. Cricket has become one of the sports at the forefront of this issue, implementing stricter rules around head injuries and the wearing of protective gear.
There's no doubt that Hughes' legacy has had a lasting impact on the sport. His death sparked an outpouring of tributes, with players, coaches, and fans from around the world paying their respects to the talented young batsman.
But, a decade on, there's still more work to be done to ensure the safety of cricketers. The sport will always carry a level of risk, but by implementing stricter safety protocols and continuing to innovate in terms of protective gear, the game can become safer for all involved.