Skipper Michael Clarke celebrates Phil Hughes' birthday

Sydney: Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke remembered team-mate Phillip Hughes' birthday Sunday by posting a number of warm and memorable photos on his Twitter feed just days after the tragic passing of his "little brother".

Clarke tweeted his first message just before 10 p.m. Saturday night, telling his followers and friends that in just over two hours it would be his team-mate's 26th birthday, and encouraged all to grab a drink and "raise your glass", reports Sydney Morning Herald.

"In 2 hours and 6 min it will be my Brother's 26th BDay. Please get yourself a drink and raise your glass!" Clarke tweeted.

The first birthday message from Clarke, posted just after midnight on what would have been Hughes' 26th birthday, was raw, open and heart-breaking, speaking directly to Hughes and saying exactly what many of his teammates and family members have experienced in the past five days.

"Happy bday bro. Will love you forever. It has been the hardest few days of my life."

Clarke has also written a touching tribute to his friend and team-mate, published by Newscorp Sunday, where he speaks of the man that was his friend Phillip Hughes, the cricketer, and the tragedy of losing his "little brother".