It was kind of a care-free week, cricket wise - Steve Smith recalls when cricket was irrelevant for him
Steve Smith has recalled the Test match in the aftermath of Phil Hughes death in 2014 where he played the game for the sake of it. The Australian team, including Smith, took the field against India emotionless - as they had to - but dedicated their celebration to the jovial country boy.
Hughes was on the verge of returning to the national team before the unfortunate incident occurred when he was struck on the back of his head by a Sean Abbott bouncer. A week after the incident, India arrived in what could have been a career-saving series for the left-handed opener but the fate had other plans. The incident left a lasting impact on the Australian cricketers who had struggled to get going and for Smith, who led the Australian team in the first Test due to an injury to Michael Clarke, cricket didn't really make any sense.
"It was kind of a care-free week if that makes sense, cricket wise. It was sort of like, this is actually almost irrelevant in a way. We're just going out and doing what we were doing and we actually played really well. But it was literally like we were just playing because that's what we're here to do," Smith told ESPNCricinfo in Adelaide.
However, batting wise, Smith contributed and contributed well when he stood strong against the Indian bowling attack scoring 162* in the first innings before a rapid-fire 50 in the second innings. It was also the start of a stretch that eventually made him the best in the business. The series also became a ground for the Aussie stars to show the love for their teammate and almost every celebration was dedicated to Hughes. Smith revealed more on that as November 27 marks the seven-year anniversary of Hughes' death.
"Batting wise some pretty fond memories. I think I played well, got a 162 I think it was. And I remember getting my hundred and going over to the 408 on the ground and raising my bat and paying tribute to our mate we lost a few days before. I think some of the boys here were pretty close to Phil and five years actually it's gone pretty quick. I dare say some of the boys will reflect and think about our little mate that's for sure. You have little moments that come up every now and then, things that remind you of him and things like that. Comes up every now and then."
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