Aussies to wear armbands for Hookes - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Aussies to wear armbands for Hookes

22/01/2004 05:30:38 AM Comments (0)

The Australian cricket team will wear black armbands and pause for a minute's silence in memory of former Test batsman David Hookes before their one-day match against India in Sydney.

The players have been part of an outpouring of grief since Hookes, 48, died in hospital on Monday from injuries suffered after he was knocked to the ground in a scuffle outside a bayside Melbourne hotel the previous night.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting said he had urged his players to share their thoughts to help deal with their pain.

Ponting said he was aware Ian Harvey and Jason Gillespie, the two members of the team who were closest to Hookes, may need emotional help at some stage.

"All we can do is go to both of those guys and let them know we're thinking of them, we're with them and if they need someone to go and talk to don't be afraid to go and do it," Ponting said.

Friend and former teammate Ian Chappell announced Hookes' funeral would be held at the Adelaide Oval next Tuesday, January 27, at 11am.

Hookes' famous batting deeds for South Australia came largely at Adelaide's picturesque ground and fittingly for a man who had such a rapport with Australia's sporting fans, his funeral will be open to the public.

A memorial service will be held at the MCG - the same ground where Hookes jumped onto the international stage by hitting five successive fours off England captain Tony Greig in his Test debut in 1977 - on Thursday, February 5.

"The family invites all of David's friends, business and sporting associates, as well as members of the public, to join them in these celebrations of his life," Chappell said.

"(Hookes' wife) Robyn and the family wish to confirm they donated David's organs after his death in recognition of his absolute commitment to the donor program.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news