Melbourne, Nov 28 (IANS): Cricket Australia and Cricket New South Wales Friday supported NSW Premier Mike Baird’s announcement of a State Memorial Service for Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, who passed away Thursday after being hit by a cricket ball during a Sheffield Shield match.

“We would like to thank the premier for his decision to grant a State Memorial Service for Phillip and for putting the Hughes family’s views first in offering such a service to the family," CA CEO James Sutherland said in a statement.

"As the premier outlined, it will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), giving opportunity for the entire community to pay tribute to the much-loved Australian. The SCG is a place that Phillip cherished so dearly, and it is a ground where Phillip provided cricket fans from around the world with so much joy."

Cricket NSW CEO Andrew Jones also voiced his support for the move.

“It’s important for the community to be able to come together as one to remember Phillip and we thank the Premier for continuing his staunch support of cricket in NSW and giving us the ability to host this service here in Sydney," Jones said.

"Phillip made his first class debut at the SCG and we believe this is a fitting way to celebrate his life.” Jones said.