Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
| Help
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Tuesday, 20 January, 2004, 09:42 GMT
Hewitt worry over Hookes attack
The Indian team observes a minute's silence in Brisbane
Hookes was remembered at Tuesday's one-day international
Tennis star Lleyton Hewitt believes the death of former cricketer David Hookes should serve as a warning to other leading figures in Australian sport.

Hookes, the coach of state side Victoria, died from head injuries suffered in a fight at a Melbourne bar.

"You've got to be pretty careful when you go out. You know it can happen to anyone," said Hewitt.

Victoria's Pura Cup game with South Australia, scheduled to start on Friday, has been postponed.

It will now take place from 8-11 February.

"Obviously the players are not in any frame of mind to get ready for an important domestic fixture," said a Cricket Australia spokesman.

"The decision was made as a sign of respect to David Hookes and his family and in recognition of the deep impact of his passing on both teams."

Australian Prime MInister John Howard
His ability and enthusiasm gave inspiration and encouragement to many young cricketers
Prime Minister John Howard

Hewitt's comments, meanhile, are bound to be a cause of concern among the various sports bodies in Australia.

"I haven't experienced any real troubles when I thought I was in danger at all. But there have been times when you get people heckling or swearing or whatever," he commented.

His view was echoed by former England captain Tony Greig, now a TV cricket commentator.

"It really does highlight some of the problems that we're having with night cricket, certainly here in Australia.

"There's a fine line between what happens when people drink too much and become yobboes and what has happened to David Hookes," he said.

Golfer Greg Norman described Hookes' death as a "waste of human life".

Victoria are currently top of the Pura Cup standings - Australia's first-class competition - and are looking to win the title for the first time since 1990-91.

Leg-spinner Shane Warne, who will return to action for Victoria next month after completing a one-year ban from the game, has proposed the establishment of a medal or cricket scholarship as a tribute to Hookes.

"That would be justice to him because he had such a great influence on everybody," said Warne.

"No matter what happened, every time we had a chat he just loved talking about cricket. He was just so knowledgeable about the game."

Zdravco Micevic, 21, has been charged with assault in connection with the incident and released on bail.




RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


E-mail services | Sport on mobiles/PDAs

MMIX

Back to top

Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other sport...

BBC Sport Academy >> | BBC News >> | BBC Weather >>
About the BBC | News sources | Privacy & Cookies Policy | Contact us
bannerwatch listenbbc sport