As we mark the 10th anniversary of Phillip Hughes’ tragic passing, it’s a moment to reflect not only on the sadness of his loss but also on the immense joy, talent, and spirit he brought to the game of cricket and to those who had the privilege of knowing him. Hughes’ life, though heartbreakingly short, was a testament to the joy of sport, the resilience of the human spirit, and the beauty of individuality.

Phillip Joel Hughes was born on November 30, 1988, in the small NSW town of Macksville. From the start, he carried a natural love for sport, splitting his childhood between football and cricket. Hughes was a nimble little five-eighth and played alongside future rugby league star Greg Inglis. However, a broken leg eventually nudged him toward cricket, where his talent truly flourished.

Hughes was not born into a family with a lineage in cricket. He developed his craft on his own terms, with a self-taught technique that defied convention but was remarkably effective. His journey to Sydney as a young man marked the beginning of a remarkable career, yet throughout his rise, he remained deeply rooted in his humble beginnings.

As his mentor Neil D’Costa fondly described, Hughes considered himself a “farmer who played cricket”. He loved his life on the cattle farm as much as the sport, and this grounding allowed him to play cricket with a pure, unadulterated joy that set him apart.

In my interaction with him, Phillip was engaging, naturally positive, and upbeat. He was good company and genuinely interested in people. Our longest conversation was about farming, during which he explained to me the intricacies of artificial insemination. He spoke with such enthusiasm and knowledge that it was clear how deeply he cared about life on the farm.

This interest in farming took much of the pressure off his cricket. Hughes didn’t rely solely on cricket for his livelihood—his farming roots gave him a safety net and allowed him to approach the sport with a carefree joy that many envied. It was this balance that gave him a unique perspective on life. His superpower was his attitude.

Hughes played cricket for the sheer love of the game. He approached every innings with a sense of adventure, embracing the challenges and uncertainties that cricket throws at its players.

He wasn’t just a talented cricketer; he was a genuinely kind and down-to-earth person. Those who played with him, such as his teammates at Wests Cricket Club in Sydney, recall how his arrival transformed the club. Hughes treated everyone with respect and warmth, regardless of their status or role. His ability to lift the spirits of those around him was one of his most endearing qualities.