Ben' girlfriend, who was a passenger in the fatal accident, is still in a critical condition with serious head and chest injuries in a Perth hospital.

In an attempt to minimise disruption ahead of the crucial final Test against New Zealand and also because it was too late to organise flights for everyone at short notice, it was decided that only captain Nasser Hussain would be the only representative of the England side to pay their respects in Perth, though the team and management currently in New Zealand held their own memorial tribute to Ben Hollioake, coinciding in time with the service in Australia.

Along with Nasser and the Hollioake family including Ben's brother Adam, were a number of Surrey team-mates, all of whom are still devastated by the tragic loss of such a talented and popular man and our deepest sympathies here at 'Scimitars' are with them all.

Hussain carried with him Hollioake's England blazer to return to the family after the player left it behind after the one-day series.

During the service, brother Adam commented "We can all imagine each other with grey hair and walking sticks, but I could only imagine Ben as being both athletic and youthful".

A private cremation is tomorrow, but Nasser will not be attending as he has to fly back to New Zealand for the 3rd and final Test, which begins in Auckland on Saturday.

Nasser, like everyone, is still in shock over the death of young Ben Hollioake and it will take time for everyone to get recover. To win the 3rd Test and claim the series would be a fitting tribute to Ben and let's hope the England boys can get in some frame of mind possible to do it for Ben.

For anyone wishing to pay their tributes to Ben, a book has been opened at The AMP Oval, home of Ben's county career at Surrey CCC. Also, the BBC Sport website is offering people the chance to add their tributes here. You can also leave you tributes on the messageboard below and I will pass them onto Surrey CCC.

Date: 27/3/02