Australia captain Michael Clarke and coach Darren Lehmann choked back tears as Phillip Hughes was given a moving send-off by cricket fans in his adopted home state before the first Test in Adelaide on Tuesday.
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About 20,000 fans joined the Australian team in a 63-second ovation for Hughes, who tragically passed away in a freak accident on November 27.
A short slideshow of Hughes' life was broadcast on the big screen with narration from the doyen of cricket commentary, Richie Benaud.
"A boy, just beginning ... 25 years of age ... baggy green number 408," Benaud read.
"His father's best mate ... son, brother, fighter, friend ... inspiration.
"Phillip Hughes, forever. Rest in peace, son."
The Australian players, all wearing black arm bands and shirts with Hughes' Test cap No.408 embroidered, linked arms to sing the national anthem.
David Warner and Chris Rogers had just minutes to gather their thoughts before opening the batting for Australia, who won the toss.
Clarke had said before the tribute that the team was looking forward to getting back on the field.
"The boys are doing as well as they possibly can. I think everybody is excited to start some cricket to be honest," Clarke told ABC Grandstand.
"Everybody's focused. We know we've got a really important job to do once we step on the field, we're looking forward to that."
Clarke's men have rested their bats and baggy green caps on the boundary fence outside their dressing room, continuing the #putoutyourbats tribute started on Twitter.
There is also a shrine outside Adelaide Oval where fans have left bats and flowers in front of a cardboard cutout of the player.
