Australia captain Michael Clarke fought back the tears as he gave an emotional tribute at the funeral of Phillip Hughes in Macksville on Wednesday, while thousands of mourners looked on.
Hughes died last Thursday, aged 25, after being struck near the ear by a ball during a match between South Australia and his former state side New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He would have been 26 on Sunday.
His funeral was attended by the full Australia men's and women's squads and many more major figures from the world of cricket.
Clarke was a pallbearer and spoke at the funeral service held at the Macksville Recreation Centre and which opened to the song "Forever Young" by Youth Group.
"He left a mark on our game that needs no embellishment," the 33-year-old said. "I don't know about you, but I keep looking for him. I know it's crazy, but I expect any minute to take a call from him or to see his face pop around the corner.
"Is this what we call the 'spirit'? If so then his spirit is still with me and I hope it never leaves."
He said Hughes had "the heart of a man who lived his life for this wonderful game we play", adding: "His spirit has touched the game, and the SCG will forever be a sacred ground for me."
Clarke, his voice quaking, ended by echoing something Hughes used to tell him during matches, saying: "We must dig in and get through to tea, and we must play on. So rest in peace, my little brother. I'll see you out in the middle."
The service at Hughes' former school opened with the music 'Forever Young' and lasted around 75 minutes, concluding with 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me'.
The funeral was broadcast live around Australia and on video screens at the Adelaide Oval and the SCG, where 63 bats were displayed - each with an inscription of a special moment in the player's career.
Hughes' coffin was at the front of the hall, surrounded by flowers and cricket bats.
Father Michael Alcock began proceedings, saying it was his "honour and sad privilege" to lead the service.
Hughes' father Gregory and former state and international team-mates Tom Cooper and Aaron Finch were also pallbearers. Cooper was batting with Hughes when he sustained the fatal injury.
Jason and Megan Hughes also read out letters to their brother.
"I couldn't have asked for a better little brother," Jason said. "From a very young age, you were destined to be our rock star.
"You always had the good looks, the hair... and who said you needed braces to have a smile? You never took a bad photo."
He added: "I miss you, I'm so proud of you, and thank you again for all the memories. I'll love you now and forever."
Megan said: "I'm so honoured to call you my brother, my best friend and my hero."
The funeral was broadcast live around Australia and on video screens at the Adelaide Oval, where the rescheduled first test with India will start next Tuesday, and the SCG, where a row of 63 bats were propped up against pickets, each with an inscription of a special moment of Hughes' career.
Owners of many shops and businesses shut down to attend the funeral, and schoolchildren were let out of their classes early Wednesday to watch or attend the service.
The service closed with Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," the same song the famous entertainer and avid cricket fan performed at a concert last weekend in Germany in tribute to Hughes.
Family friend Corey Ireland referenced Hughes' blossoming career and his pride at his Macksville farm roots, saying: "Phillip's deal to himself was that he would add another Angus cow to the herd every time he scored a century. His herd quickly grew."
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland was the final person to address the mourners, saying: "I imagine Phillip has already taken guard up there and is currently flaying his trademark cut shot behind point.
"Cricket's heart has been pierced with pain, but it will never stop beating. Phillip Hughes... forever unconquered on 63."
Cricketers past and present formed a guard of honour, with the hearse and funeral procession passing through them before travelling through the streets of Macksville as players and other mourners walked behind.
Former Australia pacemen Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, prime minister Tony Abbott, and India captain Virat Kohli and team manager Ravi Shastri were among those who made their way through Hughes' home town along with his family and friends.
Abbott posted on Twitter shortly afterwards: "A sad, poignant, beautiful service to celebrate the life of Phillip Hughes today in Macksville £RIPPhillipHughes."
Former Australia batsman Damien Martyn tweeted: "£RIP little mate Phillip Hughes... Such a beautiful service. Forever remembered and never forgotten...."
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