THE LATE PHILLIP Hughes will forever remain 63 not out after Cricket Australia made a decision to amend the scorecard from last week’s match between South Australia and New South Wales.
Hughes, who would have turned 26 yesterday, was struck on the back of the head by a bouncer last Tuesday and died two days later.
He was listed as having “retired hurt” before the match was abandoned amid distressing scenes.
As Hughes was not replaced at the crease the scorecard has been amended and he will now always be 63 not out.
“It might seem like a little thing, but it’s an important distinction,” said Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland.
“Phillip will forever remain 63 not out.”
The number 64 shirt, previously worn by the 25-year-old, has already been retired following his death. The funeral will take place on Wednesday in his family’s home town of Macksville in northern New South Wales.
Since Hughes’ death there have been calls for a change to the cricketing rules, especially regarding the act of bowling.
However, action is unlikely to be taken regarding bouncers, according to David Richardson, the chief executive of the International Cricket Council.
“We need to try and keep our perspective,” Richardson told BBC 5 Live.
“It’s a bit early to determine, but my initial reaction is that that’s unlikely.
“People have died by being struck on the heart before. I don’t think cricket needs to overreact, but do what we can.”
