The junior cricket teams were paying their respects to 25-year-old batsman Phillip Hughes, who tragically died on Thursday after sustaining a head injury from a ball while batting. 

Both junior teams wore black armbands, while the Strathdale Maristians put out their bats before the game - their contribution to the global #putoutyourbats social media campaign paying tribute to the cricketer.

Maristians co-coach Daniel Barri said the team wanted to show their respects to someone they all greatly admired.

"Everyone knew Phil Hughes, because he played for Australia. So it’s very important we get together and play, especially junior cricket," he said.

"Phil started in this grade and he played junior cricket all the way through.

"Our kids want to play today, everyone’s playing their respects with the armbands.

"I think Phil and his family would want everyone to play cricket today."

Mr Barri said coming together and playing the sport so soon after such a tragedy was important for cricket teams of all ages.

"It’s just a big day for cricket in Australia and the world. The whole world’s got behind it," he said.

"The kids today, no-one’s really mentioned it, they’re just happy to play cricket."

Mr Barri said he really felt for the senior teams playing cricket this weekend, who were closer in age to the late cricketer.

"These kids are only 12 to 13, but the seniors today will really feel it," he said.

"You’ve got guys at that age, at 25, who it will be harder, because they’ll be batting and thinking, I’m 25 (the same age)."

Mr Barri's son Blake Barri, 13, said he understood the importance of wearing black armbands and turning the bats out as a mark of respect.

"We're here for Phil Hughes," he said.

Blake said he had expressed support by leaving a message for the cricketer on Cricket Australia's Facebook page.

"It was the day it happened, I said I hope you recover, feel sorry for the family, hope you get well."

Blake's teammate Nathan Walker, 12, said there was also need to come together as a sign of support for bowler Sean Abbott.

"Also on the other side I feel really sorry for Sean Abbott, like he’s going through all that depression, it’s really sad," he said.

Kangaroo Flat coach Dylan Shaw agreed it was important for all cricket teams to keep playing their best game in memory of Phillip Hughes.

"Getting on and playing fair is the best way to honour him," he said.