Distraught Michael Clarke reads family tribute to Phillip Hughes

Michael Clarke was in tears reading out the statement from Phillip Hughes's family

A distraught Michael Clarke showed incredible strength reading a statement on behalf of the Hughes family, following Phillip Hughes' tragic death on Thursday afternoon.

With his voice breaking and his head down, he read a tribute from the 25-year-old's parents, Virginia and Greg, his brother Jason and his sister Megan.

Clarke was with the Hughes family at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney for 48 hours following his devastating accident on Tuesday afternoon.

Clarke thanked the hospital, his team mates and the general public for their support and wishes.

"We're devastated at the loss of our much loved son and brother, Phillip," a composed Clarke read bravely, not looking up from the family's statement in front of him.

"It's been a very difficult few days, we appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

"Cricket was Phillip's life and we as a family shared that love of the game with him," Clarke continued.

"We would like to thank all the nursing and medical staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket NSW medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip."

Michael Clarke finished the statement with the simple yet powerful words, "we love you."

Immediately Clarke rose and left the media conference to rejoin Hughes' friends, family and team mates.

The Australian cricket captain had a bond with Phillip Hughes that went far beyond team mates.

James Sutherland from Cricket Australia described the 33-year-old as "like a big brother" to Phillip Hughes.

#Australia captain Michael #Clarke (@MClarke23) reads a brief statement from #PhillipHughes' family http://t.co/Bt28HyUq4N

— World Outback News (@WON_NetworkNews) November 27, 2014