I DIDN'T know Phillip Hughes but for the past couple of days I couldn't help but feel sad.
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That sadness was exacerbated late yesterday afternoon when it was announced the 25-year-old cricketer died as a result of a head injury suffered when he was hit by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG on Tuesday.
You see, when a bloke pulls on a baggy green cap and goes out to represent Australia during a scorching summer, and you sit back and enjoy a beer or two as you watch, you feel like you know him.
To us sports nuts, Phillip Joel Hughes was 'Hughesy' just like he was to his closest of mates.
He was the same as 'Pup' and those that came before this current generation - 'Warnie', 'Binga', 'Gilly', 'Punter' and the like.
But my sadness is nothing compared to what his family, friends and current and former teammates must be going through.
And it's nothing compared to what Sean Abbott, the man who bowled the fatal delivery, must be going through.
Thankfully the cricketing community has rallied behind Abbott, as he will need as much support as anybody over the coming days, weeks, months and even years.
As I said, I didn't know Hughes but I do know Jordan Moran and Nathan Lyon, a couple of guys who have played a lot of cricket with him.
Late yesterday I sent Jordan a text sending my condolences. He was half way to Griffith where today he will pad up for Western Zone in the Country Championships, just like he did for years at junior rep level with 'Hughesy'.
I wish him and the team all the best, and I hope Jordo belts a ton for his old mate.
This isn't a time to debate "what ifs".
Over the past couple of days I've read and heard countless stories about the time it took ambulance officers to arrive, or whether there is a flaw in the design of helmets.
At a time like this, such topics mean very little and are pointless, and they certainly do little to comfort anybody.
Sure, down the track when the dust has settled and Hughes family and friends have mourned, then discussions can be had as to whether there was any way at all this could have been prevented.
After all, the last thing we want is another family to have to go through what Greg, Virginia, Jason and Megan Hughes have gone through over the past three days.
But for now Hughes' family and friends need to be able to grieve and know everyone is supporting them, rather than the attention being on finding someone or something to blame.
Rest in peace 'Hughesy'.