Cricket authorities are no closer to deciding whether to push ahead with the first Test against India as Michael Clarke led a series of touching tributes to Phillip Hughes.
The touring Indians are scheduled to begin the summer proper in Brisbane on Thursday but Cricket Australia will hold off on any decision while the local side grieves the loss of a popular team member.
Clarke addressed the media at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday morning but no light was shed on when Test and Sheffield Shield cricket will go ahead.
Across the nation and the globe, there were tributes to Hughes. Prime Minister Tony Abbott left his Gray-Nicolls out the front of Kirribilli House, part of the '#putoutyourbats' campaign which has gone viral. Pop stars and royalty have left personal and private messages for the Hughes family, but perhaps the most touching words were from close mate Clarke.
"Our dressing room will never be the same," Clarke said. "We loved him and always will."
It was Clarke's idea to retire Hughes' one-day-international number, 64, a proposal backed by Cricket Australia.
"Words cannot express what we all feel as a team right now," a tearful Clarke said.
"To Greg, Virginia, Jason and Megan, we share in the deep pain you're feeling.
"Apart from when he was home on the farm with his beloved cattle, Hughesy was at his happiest playing cricket for his country with his mates.
"Things we always put into perspective when Hughesy said: 'Where else would you rather be, boys, but playing cricket for your country?'
"We are going to miss that cheeky grin and twinkle in his eye.
"He epitomised what the Baggy Green was about and what it means to us all.
"The world lost one of its great blokes this week and we are all poorer for it.
"Our promise to Hughesy's family is that we will do everything we can to honour his memory."
In a mark of respect, there were no bouncers bowled in the Test match between New Zealand and Pakistan overnight, while cricketers past and present continued to post messages of support on social media.
While grade cricket matches were cancelled, junior matches went ahead. Instead of innings lasting the obligatory 70 overs, they were reduced to 63, marking Hughes' score before being struck by the fatal bouncer. The retirement score was also lifted from 50 to 63 in a nod to Hughes, who would have turned 26 on Sunday.
