New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has reached out to the solidarity of the cricket community in the wake of Phil Hughes' death.
He has read a statement before the third day's play in the third test against Pakistan where he resumed on 153 not out as part of New Zealand's 249 for one.
"Our focus at the moment is not on our performances, it's all about Phil.
"We are heartbroken for Phil's family - Greg, Virginia, Megan and Jason. No one should go through what you guys are going through right now.
Watch: Star Australian cricket player dies
"We are reaching out to Phil's family, Michael Clarke, the Australian boys, medical staff, fans and all who have been affected by Phil's passing. We are also reaching out to Sean Abbott. You are all in our hearts and our thoughts and, in Phil's case, our memories.
"Cricket is a sport and the cricket community is a family. We are here for you. We are thinking of you."
The New Zealand team wanted to abandon the test after the news of Hughes' death but have been persuaded to carry on.
Watch: Phillip Hughes: 1988 - 2014
The sense of apathy has continued into the third day with New Zealand moving to 302 for one.
Kane Williamson has made his eighth test century and continued the theme of emptiness with an undemonstrative raise of the bat.
Williamson and McCullum's unbeaten stand of 251 is New Zealand's highest partnership for the second wicket against all countries.
Andrew Alderson travelled to the UAE courtesy of Emirates.