Despite his talents, Hughes faced challenges in his career, including being dropped from the red-ball side prior to a first-class match at the Sydney Cricket Ground in November 2014.

Tragically, Hughes was struck on the neck by a bouncer during a match, resulting in his death two days later, just three days shy of his 26th birthday.

His death was a shocking event in cricket, prompting widespread grief and tributes, including players leaving bats outside in his memory.

Hughes's funeral was attended by many cricket legends, including Virat Kohli and Brian Lara, with Michael Clarke delivering an emotional tribute.

Hughes's memory continues to resonate in the cricket community, especially during moments when players are struck on the helmet, reminding them of the ongoing risks in the sport.

By the age of 17, Hughes had scored around 68 to 70 centuries, establishing a reputation as a remarkable talent in cricket.

Phillip Hughes, a cricket prodigy from Macksville, Australia, began collecting match balls with his scores and dates at a young age, thanks to his supportive father, a banana farmer.

He achieved several milestones, including being the youngest player to score a hundred in the Sheffield Shield final at 19 and the youngest to score two hundreds in a Test match at 20 against a formidable South African bowling attack.

Hughes became the first Australian to score a century on his one-day international debut and later the first to achieve a double-hundred in List A cricket.

Brendon McCullum's New Zealand team was playing a Test against Pakistan when they learned of Hughes's passing, leading to a powerful moment of reflection during their match.

In the aftermath of Hughes's death, cricket saw increased focus on helmet safety, concussion awareness, and discussions about the role of bouncers in the game.

The MCC conducted a consultation regarding the laws on short-pitched bowling, ultimately deciding against changes, affirming its importance in cricket.