Phillip Hughes will 'forever remain 63 not out' after moving scorecard change

Cricket Australia make scorecard change in moving tribute

Hughes in Durban in 2009, celebrating the first of his two centuries in the second Test against South Africa (Reuters)

Phillip Hughes will forever remain 63 not out after the official scorecard for his final match was amended by Cricket Australia.

Hughes, who died on Thursday after being struck on the head by a ball just two days previously, was listed as 'retired hurt' during the first day of South Australia's match against New South Wales at the SCG.

An outpouring of grief has since followed across the sporting world, with thousands of professionals and supporters alike paying tribute to the former Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire player.

"It might seem like a little thing, but it's an important distinction," said Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland.

"Phillip will forever remain 63 not out."

The match was abandoned amid the distressing scenes and, given he was not replaced at the crease, the official scorecard has now been altered.

The number 64 shirt, previously worn by the 25-year-old, has already been retired following his death. The funeral will take place on Wednesday in his family's home town of Macksville in northern New South Wales.

Today (Sunday) would have been his 26th birthday. Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke remembered his 'little brother' by posting a number of photos on social media.

He wrote: "In 2 hours and 6 min it will be my Brothers 26th BDay. Please get yourself a drink and raise your glass!"

In the past few days, as Australia mourns, there have been calls for a re-think of the rules concerning the art of bowling.

Action is unlikely to be taken, however, to prevent bouncers, according to David Richardson, the chief executive of the International Cricket Council.

"We need to try and keep our perspective," Richardson told BBC 5 Live.

"It's a bit early to determine, but my initial reaction is that that's unlikely.

"People have died by being struck on the heart before. I don't think cricket needs to overreact, but do what we can."