Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes has died in a Sydney hospital surrounded by family and friends, three days before his 26th birthday.

The batsman from Macksville, New South Wales, never recovered from a devastating head injury he sustained after a ball delivered by bowler Sean Abbott struck him in the back of the head while he was playing first-class cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday afternoon.

Hughes, who was transported to St Vincent's Hospital after collapsing on the pitch while playing for South Australia, underwent emergency surgery and was placed in an induced coma on Tuesday. His death was announced by Cricket Australia barely more than 48 hours later.

Team doctor Peter Brukner told reporters Hughes never regained consciousness following his injury. He was not in pain when he died.

'As a cricket community we mourn his loss and extend our deepest sympathies to Phillip's family and friends at this incredibly sad time,' Dr Brukner said.

Australian skipper Michael Clarke read out a solemn statement on behalf of Hughes' mother Virginia, father Greg, sister Megan and brother Jason.

'We're devastated at the loss of our much loved son and brother, Phillip,' a composed Clarke read bravely, refusing to look up from the statement in front of him.

'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,' Clarke continued.

'We would like to thank all the nursing and medical staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket NSW medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip.'

Michael Clarke finished the statement with the simple yet powerful words, 'we love you.'

Sean Abbott (1st pic,on the right)

Source: dailymail

Sad

Very sad..his birthday is jxt 3days from today...

....

Sorry..i didnt wana open anoda thread..

Seun ..there's sm1 who added me and stalking me with a new acct..pls i reported him to ur Super-mods and ishilove responded well but i want him outta my followers list..biko

His name is Enabxx
Pls Seun,do ur best to help me take him out..
This was why i asked for the block option so we can block stalkers..

Cc:obinoscopy