Two of Phillip Hughes' best friends, Michael Clarke and David Warner, have hugged and looked to the skies while piling on the runs at the beginning of the first test against India at the Adelaide Oval.
Hughes' memory was celebrated before the start of play on Tuesday. It has been two weeks since Hughes was struck in the neck and died, sending shockwaves through Australia and the global cricketing community
Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke was visibly teary before the start of play. However, India made a provocative statement, sending down a ball similar to the one that hit Hughes to welcome the Australian captain to the crease.
Former Australian test cricketers were transfixed by David Warner's dominant batting in the emotional circumstances.
Great first session by Australia. Warner outstanding #Warner #AUSvIND
As Warner reached 63 not out - Hughes' final score - he looked skyward and received a huge standing ovation from the Adelaide Oval crowd.
And the stocky opening batsman couldn't hide his excitement when he reached his century. Warner embraced Clarke in the middle of the pitch.
Injury cut-short Clarke's innings with recurring hamstring and back problems forcing him from the field.
Feeling for my mate @MClarke23 !!! Can't believe it... Please be just a spasm & not re injured his back...
I hope I am wrong here, but there is a chance that might be the last we see of Michael Clarke this summer.
But the day was completely owned by Hughes' best test squad mates, Warner scoring 145 and Clarke 60. Cricket had moved on from its darkest day.
