SHARJAH: The second day’s play in the third Test between Pakistan and New Zealand was abandoned on Thursday as mark of respect for Phil Hughes.

Match referee Andy Pycroft of Zimbabwe said: “The second day’s play is suspended and the match will resume on Friday. The match will now be extended to Monday.”

Both teams initially agreed to delay the start play for an hour after receiving news of Hughes’ death an hour and a half before they were due to take the field.

But New Zealand players were said to be distraught and requested the day’s play to be abandoned. Team managements discussed the best course of action and agreed to call off the day.

An image of a smiling Hughes adorned the electronic scoreboard in the empty stadium in the UAE, where the 25-year-old recently played for Australia.

He had been part of Australia’s squad which played two Twenty 20 Internationals, three one-day matches and two Tests against Pakistan in the UAE last month.

Pakistan team manager Moin Khan said, “The entire team is shocked and saddened to hear the death of Hughes. He was here as part of the Australian squad last month and we found him to be a cheerful and friendly person.

“This is indeed a big tragedy. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Hughes and our Aussie mates,” he added.

There was also sympathy for New South Wales paceman Sean Abbott, who bowled the ball that felled Hughes.

“How will he continue? He is dealt a blow to his career and he needs counselling, which I am sure must have started, and needs to stay calm,” former Pakistan fast bowler and current coach Waqar Younis said.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2014