Pakistan, New Zealand play abandoned after Phil Hughes death

Sharjah: The second day`s play in the third Test between Pakistan and New Zealand was abandoned Thursday as mark of respect for Australia`s Phillip Hughes.

The 26-year-old Hughes, who won 26 Test caps, died Thursday of injuries sustained when hit by a short-pitched ball in a domestic match on Tuesday in Sydney.

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.

Hughes 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.

"The whole team is shocked and saddened to hear the death of Phil Hughes," Moin Khan, the Pakistan team manager, said.