Cricket: Crowe shares thoughts on Hughes tragedy

Former New Zealand cricket captain Martin Crowe. Photo / Doug Sherring

New Zealand cricket great Martin Crowe has opened up about his own experiences of facing short-pitched bowling following the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes.

Writing on the ESPN Cricinfo website, Crowe, who played 77 tests for New Zealand between 1982 and 1995, said Hughes' death triggered memories of being hit during his own career.

"All the moments came flooding back," he wrote.

"[C]ut above eye, 1972; front tooth in 1980; twice cleaned up in the back of the head by Jeff Thomson on debut in Wellington in 1982; nailed above the ear by [Michael] Holding in 1985 in Georgetown; jaw split open by a Bruce Reid steepler in Christchurch in 1986; hit in the temple by a Sylvester Clarke dart in 1987 at Taunton; smashed in the front cheek at short point in Auckland in 1988."

Crowe went on to detail more incidents, including being hit in the throat by India's Manoj Prabhakar.

"We all have these kinds of moments in the game that we endured somehow," said Crowe.

"We were lucky. Hughes didn't deserve not enjoying the same luck. Why does such a good kid ... become the first after so long?"

Crowe said Hughes' death would have a lasting impact on the game, and he hoped the tone of international cricket would improve as a result.

"By all means bowl bouncers with skill and precision, but take out the angst and hate, the sledging and the media barbs, and just go out and express your version of your courage and skill for your team.

"Gradually it should become less critical to win at all costs. We should smile when stumps are drawn and be grateful for the day's cricket, the genuine sharing of camaraderie between two teams."

Crowe also joined the chorus of support for Sean Abbott, the New South Wales bowler whose delivery hit Hughes.

"He is not guilty of ... wanting any mental disintegration in his opponent, for he was going about learning his trade, trying to get a man in form out, to keep growing his stock at the nursery level to help get him to the big stage.

"He bowled a skilful ball, right over off stump, perfect height to challenge the pull or hook to entice a catch. He was doing his job earnestly.

"Abbott has a job on hand, letting go of what is no doubt a recurring nightmare, but he must over time. He must try and draw on the courage and skill he undoubtedly possesses; he must get back on the horse this summer, if he can."