Bat Tribute To Phillip Hughes Goes Global

It began as a single, simple tribute from a cricket fan to batsman Phillip Hughes.

IT worker Paul Taylor got his old cricket bat and put it outside his front door in Sydney, a cricket cap slung on the handle.

Then he posted it on Twitter to his few dozen followers with the hashtag #putoutyourbats.

Within a few minutes the idea caught on.

Fans around Australia copied the idea. All generations of cricket lovers were getting their bats and putting them outside the front door or in the window, as a mark of respect to batsman Hughes.

Then, around the world, others did the same.

Youngsters grabbed their faithful bat from their school sports bag.

Fans from an older generation hunted around the house before dusting off their old bat and doing the same.

"This is a time for all cricketers near and far to remember Phillip Hughes, and the game we grew up with," Mr Taylor wrote on his Twitter account.

"It's just a way for all cricketers to show their respects to Phillip Hughes. We've all played cricket in one way or other. Backyard or beach cricket, no matter what level we've all grown up with a bat and ball."

Mr Taylor has also asked fans to spare a thought for Sean Abbott, the 22-year-old who bowled the bouncer which led to the batsman's death.

"This is our way to connect and show our sadness. Thoughts also must go to Sean Abbott."

Even Cricket Australia has joined in the remarkable tribute.

CEO James Sutherland said his staff had placed 63 bats in the front office window marking Phillip Hughes' final score of 63 not out.

Outside Channel 9's Sydney studios a lone bat stood to attention.

A line of willow was photographed outside Macksville Public School in the rural town where Phillip Hughes grew up.

At the SGC where the tragedy happened, bats mingled among the bouquets of flowers and messages.

Former Australian batsman Dean Jones posted a photo of his bat, being guarded by his dog. "My 1989 Ashes bat.. Norman on security watch," he tweeted.

In the UK sports writer with The Independent, Glenn Moore, took a picture of four bats in his home posting on Twitter: "Three generations of willow: Dad's, mine, my boys."

In Bogota, Colombia @RyanButta posted a picture of his bat and ball.

Also joining in the mark of respect was Australian Olympic cycling champion Anna Meares, former England captain Michael Vaughan and Jonathan Trott.

Google has also paid tribute to Phillip Hughes by putting a bat on the homepage of its Australian site.

:: Phillip Hughes will be honoured with a state memorial service at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where he suffered his injury, next week.

Although state memorials are usually reserved for political figures, New South Wales state premier Mike Baird said Hughes would also be awarded the honour.