Sydney:
Cricketers and fans around the world have been paying tribute to Phillip Hughes via a social media campaign by leaving their cricket bats out and sharing a picture with the message #putoutyourbats on Twitter.
Pictures of bats posted with hashtag #putoutyourbats have flooded Twitter, a day after the 25-year-old cricketer succumbed to his injuries at St Vincent’s Hospital, where he was battled for life for two days after being hit on the head by a bouncer from Sean Abbot in a domestic match.
India batsman Ajinkya Rahane displayed his bat with the Indian cap on it and wrote: “RIP Phil Hughes #PutOutYourBat #CricketFamily.”
While Suresh Raina also posted a similar photograph, saying: “Rip Phil Hughes #63notoutforever.”
Google Australia’s home page also bears a picture of a bat.
The International Cricket Council posted on its twitter handle: “The cricket world continues to mourn the loss of Phillip Hughes, it is time now for everybody to #putoutyourbat.”
Dean Jones put out his 1989 Ashes bat.. and wrote: “#RIPHughesy #putoutyourbats.”
Former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Gilchrist, posted a picture of four bats leaning against a gate, saying ‘From the Gilly kids’.
“#PutOutYourBats #RIPPhillipHughes,” said Gilchrist.
England’s Jonathan Trott displayed a picture of his bat with national cap on it and wrote: “What more can I say... #putoutyourbats.”
Similarly, Steve Smith also put up a picture of his bat with national cap on his, saying, “#putoutyourbats missing the little fella. #408forever.”
West Indies batting great Viv Richards and former England skipper Michael Vaughan also contributed a picture.
“Rest In Peace Phillip Hughes #putoutyourbats,” twitted Richards.
Before heading out to play against Pakistan in their third Test, the New Zealand team placed their bats outside the team’s dressing with their national black caps on them to join the “#putoutyourbats” campaign.
