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Win sweeter on Hughes' anniversary: Smith

Australia's Test win against South Africa was sweeter because it came on the second anniversary of Phillip Hughes' death, captain Steve Smith says.

Australian captain Steve Smith says downing South Africa on the anniversary of Phillip Hughes' death makes the win even sweeter.

Australian and South African players and umpires wore black arm-bands with the initials PH on Sunday - the second anniversary of the death of the popular batsman.

"It makes it that little bit more sweet," Smith told reporters.

"Obviously two years since the passing of our little mate, it has gone pretty quick.

"But we miss him every day and I'm sure he was looking down over us today."

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Australia completed a seven-wicket win against the Proteas, who also paid their respects to Hughes, who died two days after being struck on the neck by a ball when batting for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match.

"It's a real sad moment," said South African paceman Vernon Philander, the player of the series.

"We all play a part in this wonderful game. As Test cricketers, you become a part of this family.

"And it's obviously sad to have lost him."

South Australian players also wore black arm-bands during their Shield game against Victoria, as did Bushrangers batsman Aaron Finch who scored a century on Sunday.

"Two years on, it's never easy," said Finch, a close friend of Hughes since playing junior representative cricket together.

"You think about him every day, at different times.

"It was nice to get a hundred today especially."


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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