Port of Spain (Trinidad), Nov 29 (IANS/CMC): West Indies' regional players observed a minute's silence in tribute to Australian batsman Phil Hughes who died Thursday after being struck by a bouncer during a domestic game.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Friday announced that the start of the third round of matches in the Professional Cricket League would be used as a moment to honour the fallen player and "show solidarity with our friends in Australia", reported CMC.

Also, players would wear a black ribbon during all three matches as a mark of respect.

"This is truly a tragic loss of a fantastic young player who promised to deliver so much for Australia and who has already done so much in proving his pedigree as a top flight batsman on the international stage," WICB president Dave Cameron said.

In the third round of matches which started Friday, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force took on Jamaica Franchise at Queen’s Park Oval here, Barbados Pride clashed with Guyana Jaguars in Georgetown while Windward Islands Volcanoes played Leeward Islands Franchise in St. George's.

The 25-year-old Hughes never regained consciousness after collapsing at the crease Tuesday while playing for New South Wales. He had undergone surgery and was placed in an induced coma.

In a mark of respect across the globe, players have also been putting out their bats, with their baggies (caps) on the handles.

Some regional teams followed suit.