Everest tribute for cricketer Hughes

A bat belonging to Phillip Hughes will be placed at the summit of Mount Everest as the cricket world continues to commemorate the popular batsman.

Speaking during lunch at the Boxing Day Test, Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards outlined the unusual tribute, which has been proposed by the Cricket Association of Nepal.

Edwards said the proposal was a poignant reminder of how Hughes' tragic passing in November has touched cricket lovers around the world.

A 63-over game will also be played in Nepal as part of the tribute, with an item of Hughes' clothing and a Cricket Australia flag also to be taken up Everest during the next climbing season in March/April next year.

"So although we enter the festive season with heavy hearts, the community's response has been comforting and in many ways uplifting," Edwards said.

Cricket Australia will work with their Nepal counterparts to ensure that the tribute goes ahead.

Hughes was 63 not out when he was hit in the head by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and New South Wales and subsequently died of his injuries.

It has emerged that Cricket Australia has trademarked the phrase "63 not out".

"Cricket Australia registered the trademark in conjunction with Phillip's management purely as a defensive registration to prevent others trying to exploit Phillip's memory," a CA spokesman said. 

The have been reports of unlicensed merchandise associated with Phillip Hughes being sold on online auction sites, including t-shirts, stickers and memorial trophies.