what a great loss... as Australia says goodbye to Phillip Hughes including bowler who delivered fatal ball that killed Him

Hundreds have packed into the high school hall at Macksville, New South Wales, to bid farewell to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes. At his mother Virginia's request, Hughes was placed in a dark wooden coffin with a gold plaque and topped with white flowers, his favourite colour. The hearse circled his hometown, before arriving at Macksville High School where the service was held. Australia's cricketers, including the bowler who delivered the fatal ball, Sean Abbott, (left) arrived at the funeral wearing dark sunglasses and black suits. Captain Michael Clarke and Hughes' sister Megan (right) spoke at the service.
Among those present at the funeral was Bowler who delivered the fatal ball that lead to Philip's untimely death.....more photos after the cut


A bouncer struck Hughes (pictured) in the back of the neck during the Sheffield Shield clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground last Tuesday. He died surrounded in hospital by family and friends on Thursday


Clarke and his wife Kyly look sombre as they arrive at Macksville Recreation Centre for Hughes' funeral





Gregory Hughes, father of Phillip Hughes, arrives dressed in black with a white rose attached to suit jacket

Hughes' sister Megan Hughes arrives at the funeral. She read a eulogy along with brother Jason Hughes and cousin Nino Ramunno


Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott (right) arrived at 1.50pm, signed the condolences book and entered the service with the priest

Ricky Ponting, who was captain when Hughes played his first Test for Australia in South Africa, and wife Rianna Cantor


At his mother's request Phillip Hughes has been placed in a dark, wooden casket with a gold plaque

Clarke was one of eight pallbearers including Hughes' father Gregory and brother Jason to carry the casket out of the Macksville High school hall at the conclusion of the service.
Clarke kept his head bowed on the short walk to the waiting hearse, and at times rubbed his face and eyes. Hughes' family cried as they followed his casket out of the church, holding each other for support.
Thousands of people stood in the street, as mourners followed Hughes' family and well wishers from town gathered to join the procession, following the hearse from the service at Macksville High School to the site of the wake at the Macksville RSL.
Children, babies in prams, elderly people in wheelchairs, Macksville residents, cricketers and the Prime Minister all walked together, many in tears.
Clarke is now expected to attend a private wake with friends and family of the late cricketer.
At least he died doing what he loved, how many of us can say that? If I live to 100 I will probably not accomplish a tenth of what he has. God bless those you left behind.