‘What’s going on?’ Inside Hughes’ reaction to comical debut … and how it sparked masterpiece

Former teammates and legends have reflected on Phillip Hughes' memorable 2009 Test debut in South Africa and his historic Durban performance. After misjudging an innocuous Dale Steyn delivery and getting dismissed for a duck in his first Test innings, Hughes laughed off the comical dismissal. Undeterred, the 20-year-old opener responded in the following Test match in Durban by dismantling the Proteas' bowling attack and making history.

Hughes scored twin centuries of 115 and 160 in Durban, breaking a 79-year-old record to become the youngest player to achieve the feat in Test cricket. Teammates Bryce McGain and Simon Katich, along with Allan Border, praised Hughes' relaxed demeanor, unique technique, and resilience following his tragic passing in November 2014.