Australian cricket legend Michael Clarke has paid tribute to his late friend Phillip Hughes, admitting it is “still exceptionally raw” 10 years on from his tragic passing.

Hughes was struck by a bouncer on November 25 and died two days later, leaving his family and the cricket world in a state of shock.

Clarke gave an emotional address at Hughes’ funeral in his home town of Macksville and has continued to speak of their relationship in the decade that has followed.

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On the anniversary of Hughes’ passing, Clarke reflected on the “amazing” impact he had on those around him and plans to “celebrate” his life.

“It’s a tough week every year,” he said on Sky Sports Radio’s The Big Sports Breakfast.

“The 27th marks the anniversary of Phillip’s passing and his birthday is the 30th November, he would have turned 36 this year.

“This week is never fun … thoughts go out to his family and his friends. I’m sure everybody will be thinking of him. It’s hard to believe and it’s still exceptionally raw.

“There’s not many days that go by that I don’t think about him, because he was just that type of character. He was a great guy and an amazing player.

“I’ll have a drink for him today and then obviously celebrate his birthday on the 30th.

“We were all lucky enough to watch him play and some were even lucky enough to build a friendship. It’s a tough couple of days ahead.”

Clarke and Hughes first began playing together in the mid-2000s for NSW, before taking their on-field partnership to the international arena with Australia.

While his memory and the stories of Hughes away from cricket always flood through whenever his family or friends speak about him, Clarke took a moment to remind fans of the immense talent that the left-hander possessed at the crease.

“He was a very talented youngster,” the former Test skipper said.

“He probably scored more hundreds in his junior cricket career, before he turned 18, than any other player in Australian cricket history … just unheard of.

“I think that’s also hard, because I thought he would have played 100 Test matches and I thought he was gonna be that type of player.

“It’s about celebrating, so many amazing memories and so many great times and that’s what this week is about every year for me and today will be no different.”