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Australia bids farewell to cricketer Phillip Hughes at hometown funeral
澳大利亚人告别逝世棒球运动员
Hundreds of mourners packed a high school auditorium in the Australian town of Macksville ....and hundreds more gathered at a field outside... to pay their last respects to cricketer Philip Hughes. The star sportsman -- who would have been 26 on November 30th -- died last week of injuries suffered during a cricket match when he was hit in the neck by a ball. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott was one of the more-high profile guests at the funeral in New South Wales but most of the mourners were locals who came out to honor one of their own --someone who was remembered as a country boy at heart. In the eulogy his cousin recounted epic neighborhood cricket matches during their childhood, and Jason Hughes read a letter he had written to his younger brother. (SOUNDBITE) (English) PHILLIP'S BROTHER JASON HUGHES SAYING:
"All I ever wanted was for you to look up to me as your big brother. I still can't believe I am here saying my final goodbyes. Even though you are my little bro (brother) you have taught me so much. You have given me confidence, strength, you supported me and gave me a strong desire to succeed." The mourners struggled with the stifling heat in the packed hall. Australia captain Michael Clarke struggled with his emotions as he bid farewell to his teammate. (SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIA CAPTAIN MICHAEL CLARKE SAYING: "Phillip's spirit, which is now part of our game forever will act as a custodian of the sport we all love. We must listen to it, we must cherish it. We must learn from it. We must dig in, we must dig in and get through to tea. And we must play on. So, rest in peace my little brother. I will see you out in the middle." In addition to his brother, Hughes is survived by his parents and his younger sister.
