Australia Test batsman Phil Hughes, 25, has died in
hospital, two days after being hit on the head by a delivery
during a domestic match in Sydney.
Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said he never regained
consciousness.
Hughes, who also played for Hampshire, Middlesex and
Worcestershire, was struck by a short-pitched ball from Sean
Abbott.
"It's an understatement to say we're completely devastated,"
said Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland.
"The word tragedy gets used too often in sport, but this freak
accident is a real life tragedy."
Australia captain Michael Clarke read out a statement on
behalf of the Hughes family at a news conference.
England team statement
"Phil was admired and respected by all he played with and
against and will never be forgotten by the cricket
community."
Speaking on behalf of parents Greg and Virginia, sister
Megan and brother Jason, he said: "We're devastated by the
loss of our much-loved son and brother, Phillip. It's been a
very difficult few days.
"We appreciate all the support we have received from family,
friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.
"Cricket was Phillip's life and we as a family shared that love
of the game with him. We would like to thank all the medical
and nursing staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket New
South Wales medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip.
We love you."
A clearly emotional Clarke then stood up and left the room.
Hughes, batting for South Australia, collapsed face first on the
ground after being hit by a bouncer from Abbott during a
Sheffield Shield game against New South Wales.
He had CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at the ground
before being taken to St Vincent's Hospital, where he had a
90-minute operation to relieve pressure on his brain.
In a statement, Brukner said: "It is my sad duty to inform you
that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away.
"He never regained consciousness following his injury on
Tuesday.
"He was not in pain before he passed and was surrounded by
his family and close friends.
"As a cricket community, we mourn his loss and extend our
deepest sympathies to Phillip's family and friends at this
incredibly sad time.
"Cricket Australia kindly asks that the privacy of the Hughes
family, players and staff be respected."
Australian cricketers
have been consoling
each other at St
Vincent's Hospital
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott paid tribute to the
player, describing Hughes as "a young man living out his
dreams".
"His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking
day for his family. What happened has touched millions of
Australians," he said.
"For a young life to be cut short playing our national game
seems a shocking aberration. He was loved, admired and
respected by his team-mates and by legions of cricket fans."
Australia coach Darren Lehmann tweeted: "RIP you little
champ, we are all going to miss you! Love, prayers to all the
Hughes family."
Phil Hughes's career
Tests 26
Innings 49
Runs 1,535
Highest score 160
Average 32.65
The England team also released a statement on Twitter,
writing: "Our deepest sympathies go out to Phil Hughes'
family, friends and team-mates at this incredibly sad time.
"Phil was admired and respected by all he played with and
against and will never be forgotten by the cricket community."
Members of the Australian national team, including Clarke,
visited Hughes in hospital, comforting the player's mother and
sister.
Hughes, who had played 26 Tests, made his Test debut at the
age of 20 against South Africa in 2009.
In only his second match, he became the youngest batsman to
post two centuries in a single Test.
He played county cricket for Hampshire, Middlesex and
Worcestershire and shared in what was at the time a world
record 10th-wicket partnership of 163 with Ashton Agar
against England in the 2013 Ashes series.
An emergency
helicopter landed on
the cricket ground as
Phil Hughes was
being treated

m.bbc.com/sport/cricket/30219440

May his soul rest in peace. Though he didn't live too long but his short life made great impacts.