And that has been the case with Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke across the past four days.

Since the whole drama surrounding Phillip Hughes first started, there has been no stronger person than Clarke.

He almost beat the ambulance to the hospital, and from all reports was hesitant to leave Hughes' ward from the time he was admitted on Tuesday to the time he unfortunately passed away on Thursday afternoon.

In times gone by, Clarke's leadership has been judged by adventurous decisions to change bowlers, or by runs scored in tough situations.

Undoubtedly his greatest moment as a cricketer came when he made a triple century against India amidst a sea of pink on Jane McGrath Day almost three years ago.

But that pales into insignificance with what he has done for Hughes, his family and friends this week.

He hasn't been front and centre as far as speaking, rather his work has been done behind closed doors, in the cold confines of a hospital room, holding together a family and playing group during their darkest hours.

Undoubtedly grieving in his own way, Clarke has cast aside his own emotions to be the backbone that has held everyone together.

Even on Thursday when he read a statement on behalf of Greg, Virginia, Jason and Megan Hughes, he walked in, said what needed to be said, got up and walked back out.

Despite carrying the burden of a job often described as the "second most important in Australia behind the Prime Minister" the moment wasn't about him.

By far, the past few days have been his finest moments and in the space of 72 hours he justified the faith placed in him by selectors all those years ago.