Those are memories nobody can take away, either from those who knew Hughes closely or those who simply admired his cricketing talent from afar. We could unearth many more. It feels right to finish this live blog with such positive images from a career that, while cut tragically short, gave so much excitement and fun – in keeping with what was, by every single account that you hear, Hughes’ character. There will, I am sure, be further tributes appearing on these pages in the coming hours and days. Phillip Hughes will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace.
One more for you – a fine innings against Sri Lanka in 2012:
And this is even better – from the 2009 Test in Durban when he became the youngest player to score a century in both innings of a Test. It’s great viewing, and something to be held close:
This is a nice video of Hughes’ maiden first-class 100, which he made at the age of just 19.
As the below suggests, Hughes had something special:
So sad for Phillip Hughes and his family. Made a thousand runs aged 11, went to his first test ton with two sixes. He had the magic stuff.
— The Old Batsman (@theoldbatsman) November 27, 2014
...And such a nice man, whose true measure showed in adversity.
— The Old Batsman (@theoldbatsman) November 27, 2014
Hughes had scored 63* when the tragic accident happened, and David Lloyd has suggested the following:
63 on a cricket scoreboard should be seen as a very special number ...a round of applause will be in order to celebrate Phil Hughes life
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) November 27, 2014
Worcestershire was Hughes’ other English side, in 2012, and the club has produced some lovely tributes on its website. Among them is this, from captain Daryl Mitchell:
“Phil was a top man and will be very sadly missed. Cricket-wise he was fantastic for us, particularly in white ball cricket.
“He carried us through to the quarter-finals really with the runs he got in that competition. He had a fantastic T20.
“The biggest memories will be of Phil as a guy and in the dressing room. He was a top lad and had time for everbody, a lot of dressing room banter, a cheeky chappie.
“Whether it be Bradders, the pavilion attendant, a junior pro or a senior player or even management, he had the same amount of time for everybody and same level of mickey-taking across the board.
“Bulls and cricket was what he talked about - probably bulls in front of cricket at times. He was a country boy and proud of where he was from and I think that is what drew him to Worcester so much, and how he loved his time here, a small city.
“He wasn’t one for the big lights of London and Sydney, he liked his smaller towns and closer knit community and that is what he was all about really.”
Hughes, of course, also had a successful stint at Middlesex – and here is their statement from this morning:
Middlesex County Cricket Club is devastated on hearing the tragic news concerning the passing of Phillip Hughes.
The thoughts and love of everyone at the Club goes out to Phil’s family and friends during this terrible time.
Phil was a bright, talented and fun young man, who made a huge impression on the Club during his brief stay here at Lord’s. Middlesex CCC is proud that he represented the Club.
Out of respect to Phil and his family, the Club and its staff will be making no further public comment.
Official Club training has been cancelled for two days and the flags at Lord’s will fly at half-mast
Hampshire, for whom Hughes played in 2010, have tweeted several messages of condolence. They have also posted this picture of Hughes representing them in typically all-action pose:
#RIPPhillipHughes pic.twitter.com/aoqGYaNMz9
— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) November 27, 2014
Another consequence of today’s sad news is that the planned 2015 county cricket fixtures announcement has been postponed until further notice. It was due for 10.30am this morning.
Updated
It is being reported that England and Sri Lanka will hold a two-minute silence in memory of Phillip Hughes, prior to their second ODI on Saturday. The teams will also wear black armbands.
Updated
Another cricket fan’s tribute:
Australia prime minister Tony Abbott has spoken of being “shocked and dismayed” at Hughes’ death. Here he is, on video.
This is a desperately sad day, too, for Sean Abbott, who bowled the delivery that led to Hughes’ injury. Abbott cannot be blamed and here is a piece about the cricket world’s show of support for the New South Wales player.
A tearful Abbott, who made his debut for Australia’s one-day side against Pakistan last month, was pictured leaving St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney in the hours after Hughes’ death.
“May those footprints in the sand now support another young man in need. #SeanAbbott,” tweeted Gilchrist, who played 96 Tests for Australia.
“The strength of the cricket family is more important than ever on this incredibly sad day. Please keep Sean Abbott in your thoughts,” Cricket Australia added on their official Twitter feed.
The Australian flag is flying at half-mast at Sydney Cricket Ground today
Another fan’s memory of Hughes. You can read many more on the comments behind this link. On such a terribly sad day it is warming to read people’s fond recollections of the cricketer and the man – and hopefully, in time, that will be some solace for those closest to him as well.
Just read the news. It's very distressing - he played with spirit and aplomb. I always regarded him as a bit eccentric which endeared him to me. He was full of life and quirkiness. He had a love of batting which made him special. No doubt he would have evolved into a more mature and calm figure at the crease but this blow robbed him of that course and he will forever remain a young man full of excitement and promise and talent beyond his years. The loss is all of cricket's. So sad.
Updated
Saw Hughes at Hove in 2013. Scored 80-odd in first innings, playing and missing dozens of times. Many other cricketers would have ducked or swayed away from the ball that killed him. He took it on. That was his way. A tragic and shocking loss.
And it is definitely worth remembering that top-level sport often owes so much to genuine risk and bravery.
Arsenal FC have also tweeted their condolences to Hughes’ family and friends, subsequently reproducing a picture of Hughes visiting Emirates Stadium five years ago:
Phillip Hughes, pictured with England cricketer Nick Compton, at Emirates Stadium in May 2009 pic.twitter.com/myNHpmo0gT
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) November 27, 2014
The West Indies are another Test nation to have paid tribute to Hughes:
Our deepest condolences to fam & friends of Phil Hughes, our friends & colleagues @CricketAus & all cricket loving people of OZ. A sad day.
— westindies (@westindies) November 27, 2014
Calls for, at the least, a renewed look at players’ safety will intensify now and Nasser Hussain is another to have spoken on the topic, joined by Michael Atherton and Andrew Strauss.
You have to think about ways of improving the helmet all the time, balancing protection with being able to move and see the ball.
“Putting bits on the neck... is an area we’ve never thought about. We were always told to protect the temple but were never really concerned about the neck.
“The instinct to get out of the way of a bouncer it to turn away - this will send shock waves through every cricketer.”
Updated
This was the reaction of Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad, who was himself hit by a short delivery earlier this month.
Shehzad suffered what was eventually diagnosed as a hairline fracture of his cheekbone after being hit by a short-pitched ball from New Zealand’s Corey Anderson on 10 November.
He had to undergo scans after complaining of pain and dizziness and was sent home to recover, missing the remainder of the Test series.
“I know how it feels. That moment. The day Hughes was hit I knew what his family was going through. I prayed for his recovery.”
A tragedy like this leaves everyone who loves cricket numb. Here is Vic Marks’ piece, from Colombo, on the reaction from the England camp.
Australia’s Daily Telegraph newspaper has retired tomorrow’s back page in tribute to Hughes.
Beautiful tribute. @telegraph_sport has retired the back page tomorrow as a mark of respect to Phillip Hughes pic.twitter.com/Qblm9SGDCy
— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) November 27, 2014
Meanwhile, the former International Cricket Council chief Jagmohan Dalmiya has called on the game’s administrators to work on upgrading safety standards in light of the incident that led to Hughes’ death. This is probably a debate – and a very valid one – to be held in greater depth on another day but here is a rundown of what he has said:
“This is very, very sad. These injuries are part of cricket but precautions should be taken so that such incidents do not happen. I hope this never happens again on the cricket field.
“After the Nari Contractor incident a number of years have passed. But if we are still struggling with the quality of protective gear, that’s a very sad thing on the part of the administrators.
“Everyone involved in the game should be able to protect the players and one has to try and prevent these incidents from happening.
“Once something like this happens we have got nothing to do but lament. Can we do anything now? No, we can’t.”
This is not really a day to worry about cricket matches themselves, but there is already speculation that the first test between Australia and India, due to start next week, may be abandoned.
This comment shows how well-regarded Hughes was in England, and also speaks of how shocking and unexpected the circumstances of his death were.
After years and years of very little serious injury in cricket, this has come as a massive shock to all cricket fans. After seeing England and Aus bowling getting more aggressive and shorter in recent years we have become accustomed to seeing batsmen get hit and don't expect anything like this could happen. Bowling short has been part of cricket since it's inception. My thoughts go out to Phil's family, colleagues and fans and thank him for his time playing for my team Hampshire. RIP
The ECB paid its own tribute to Hughes:
“The ECB joins England Cricket in extending its deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family of Phillip as well as all the members of the cricketing family who regarded him as a friend or colleague.
“He was an extremely popular and hugely respected cricketer in England and Wales not only as a successful tourist with various Australian teams but also as a wonderfully talented county player with Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire.
“He will be missed throughout the world of cricket and today our thoughts are with his family and all those involved in Australian cricket.”
David Warner, Hughes’ Australia and New South Wales team-mate, was among those present at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney when the sad news was imparted. He left with his partner shortly afterwards.
If you missed it, here is a reminder of Australia captain Michael Clarke’s reaction to the news. He read out a statement on behalf of Hughes’ family, which must have been a very hard thing to do in itself, and many other figures in Australian cricket added their tributes too.
An ashen-faced Australia captain Michael Clarke said in a statement on behalf of the Hughes family: “We’re devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Phillip. Cricket was Phillip’s life, and we as a family shared that love of the game with him. We love you.”
Hesson and this commenter capture the mood precisely. Awful news like this has nothing to do with nationalities or divides.
Just the worst possible news to wake up to. So devastating that anyone could be killed playing this wonderful game of ours, let alone one so young and talented.
I sincerely hope that in some small way, the heartfelt tributes and condolences from the cricketing world will ease the pain of his family, friend and teammates.
When it comes to something like this, we are one big cricketing family, regardless of nationality.
RIP.
Updated
It is worth passing on some news that play was called off in the third test between Pakistan and New Zealand in Sharjah after Hughes’ death was announced.
“Today isn’t about cricket, it’s about Phil,” New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said in a statement.
“Like the rest of the cricketing family, the Blackcaps players and management are devastated to hear about Phil’s tragic passing. It’s an unthinkable loss and I can tell you it’s an incredibly sombre dressing room right now.
“To those who were close to Phillip, we extend our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts are with you during this extremely difficult time.”
This obituary by Peter Mason describes how far Hughes had come, and how far he still had to go.
The Australia captain, Michael Clarke, noting his strong work ethic, declared in early 2014 that he expected Hughes not only to become a permanent fixture in the side over the ensuing decade but that he would play 100 Tests or more. Hughes also had a promising one-day international career in front of him, having become the first Australian to score a century on his one-day debut, against Sri Lanka in Melbourne in 2013.
This is Nick Ames in the London office, continuing our Australian colleagues’ reaction to the tragic death of Phil Hughes. The sad news was announced overnight and people throughout cricket, and far beyond, have united to pay tribute to a man who was loved by many and possessed a sublime sporting talent. In the next few hours I’ll round up the reaction to Hughes’ untimely death, and do feel free to send us your own memories as well.
We will end the rolling coverage here, with a final tribute piece.
Phillip Joel Hughes seemed destined for greatness at a young age, writes Guardian Australia’s Russell Jackson.
It was a level of expectation and pressure that Hughes wore with humility and a path for which he prepared himself diligently.
“Watch Out Bradman”, warned a local newspaper in mid-coast New South Wales when 11-year-old Hughes passed the thousand-run mark in one junior season.
It wasn’t the last time he was compared to Australia’s greatest batsman.
His tragic death on Thursday following a blow to the back of the head in his South Australian side’s Sheffield Shield encounter with New South Wales on Tuesday is all the more harrowing for being witnessed by his family and many teammates to whom he was so loved, and also for occurring as he convincingly pressed his claims to regain Test selection.
Many of you are also leaving tributes to Hughes in the comments below. If you haven’t yet, please feel free to. Below are some messages already posted.
Very sad day. I'll remember Phillip Hughes for his part in the then world-record, 11th-wicket partnership (163) with Ashton Agar against England at Trent Bridge in 2013. Condolences to his family, team-mates and all Aussie cricketers everywhere.
RIP Phillip Hughes. Friends at Worcestershire spoke of his popularity and dedication to the game and the team. A terrible loss at such a young age. Best wishes to his family, friends (throughout the cricket world), and also to Sean Abbott, who must be facing the darkest of times right now. Nothing more can be done for Phillip, but people need to show sympathy and support for Abbott. It wasn't his fault.
Awful, awful. The rivalries in cricket are fierce, especially between Australia and England, but everybody who loves the game is united in shock and grief. Such a terrible loss.
The Adelaide Oval has paid tribute on its scoreboard to Hughes.
Adel Oval scoreboard honours Phillip Hughes pic.twitter.com/XwgajH8Ggk
— richard earle (@RichardEarle7) November 27, 2014
Phillip Hughes owned some remarkable cricketing records:
At 20, he was the youngest player ever to score twin centuries in a Test match (in South Africa in 2009).
And he remains the only Australian ever to make a century on one-day international debut (against Sri Lanka at Melbourne in 2013).
Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive Alistair Nicholson said Hughes was respected by teammates and opponents alike. He said counselling had been arranged for all in the cricketing family who had been affected.
“Phillip Hughes died playing the sport he loved, amongst those who loved him.”
Phillip Hughes made his Test debut, alongside Marcus North and Ben Hilfenhaus, in South Africa in 2009. Before the match in their baggy greens.
Just an absolute tragedy that Hughesy is no longer with us. He was such an awesome young man, RIP buddy, shattered... http://t.co/avDtc8deoR
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) November 27, 2014
Former Prime Minister John Howard paid tribute on ABC radio to Hughes’s talent and down-to-earth character.
“It is just very, very sad. A terrible accident [that is] nobody’s fault. I send my thoughts and prayers to his family and teammates.”
Howard said he was impressed watching Hughes bat with Ashton Agar at Trent Bridge last year. The former PM met Hughes in the dressing room after play and said he found the batsman “modest and unassuming”.
“I thought ‘what a likeable young bloke’. It’s really upsetting. I really feel quite upset.”
New Zealand and Pakistan have suspended play on day two of their third and final test match in Sharjah, out of respect for Hughes. The cricketing boards of the two countries will discuss how to proceed with the decisive Test, but there will be no play today. Pakistan leads the series one-nil.
Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has said Phillip Hughes would have wanted next week’s first Test against India to be played despite the batsman’s tragic death.
Chappell added that playing the Test at the Gabba from December 4 may be the “best thing” for players mourning Hughes.
Doctors at the press conference are stressing that the delay in an ambulance arriving at the ground after it was called, did not compromise the quality of care that Hughes received.
Brukner choked back tears as he paid tribute to Michael Clarke’s efforts to support the Hughes family.
“Phillip’s always been like a little brother to Michael. Phillip’s family were obviously going through a difficult time, but I’m not sure they would have coped without Michael’s assistance. The genuine love and care he gave to the Hughes family was exceptional.”
Updated
Hughes's injury "catastrophic"
Team doctor Peter Brukner has given some details on the injuries sustained by Hughes and his treatment at the ground.
Hughes took the blow on the side of the neck, and his vertebral artery, the main artery leading to the brain was compressed, said Brukner, “causing the artery to split and for bleeding to flow up into the brain.”
“This is frequently fatal at the time however Phillip was resuscitated at the time and managed Dr John Orchard, the team doctor, and [nursing staff] and we were fortunate enough to have Dr Tim Stanley an intensive care specialist from Newcastle who was in the crowd and came add helped.”
“They all did an excellent job of keeping Phillip alive and he was able to be transported to hospital in reasonable condition.”
“The head injury that he suffered was catastrophic,” the head of trauma at St Vincent’s Tony Grab, has told media.
“He arrived well intubated and resuscitated very well.”
An urgent CATscan was done immediately on arrival, and it was determined to send Hughes to surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. Surgery took approximately an hour and 20 minutes. After this we need to induce a coma to rest a patient and rest a brain,” said name.
However, “over the first 24 to 48 hours he didn’t not make very much improvement and unfortunately as a consequence of the injury, he died.”
Brukner said it was an incredibly rare type of injury, with only one such injury from a cricket ball previously reported.
Updated
Michael Clarke and members of Cricket Australia have spoken at a press conference, on behalf of Hughes’s family. Below are some excerpts of their statements.
“It’s been a very difficult few days,” says Clarke.
“Cricket was Phillip’s life.”
Clarke thanked the staff at St Vincent’s hospital and at the cricket ground.
James Sutherland, CEO of Cricket Australia said it was “Phillip as a person who we will miss most.”
“The word tragedy gets used too often in sport, but this freak accident is now a real tragedy.”
“It’s an understatement to say we are devastated... but nothing compares to the loss felt by those close to him.”
“He was a cherished son brother friend and teammate. In these darkest hours cricket puts its collective arms around the hughes family.
“His best cricket was still ahead of him.”
“Phillip was incredibly talented and dearly loved.”
“Hughesey, Hughey or Hugh-dog, as he was known to his mates was much loved.”
“He will forever be remembered as one of the elite few to have worn the baggy green cap... he as a hero to kids around the nation, particularly those in his home town of Macksville.”
Sutherland paid tribute to Hughes’s cricketing gifts, his blistering start to his Test career, and his record century on debut for the Australian one-day side.
“But it was Phillip as a person we will miss most. Humble understated, and hard-working.”
“When the chips were down, or he had a setback, he simply worked harder.”
“He will be sadly missed, and forever remembered.”
Hughes’s teammate David Warner and his partner Candice Falzon leave St Vincent’s hospital a short time ago.
The below statement comes from Hughes’s home town, including his junior cricket club and his old rugby league club.
The family and friends, the local cricket comunity and the whole Nambucca Valley community would like to pass on our deepest condolences to the Hughes family following the tragic death of Phillip Hughes.
We reach out to Phillip’s parents Greg and Virginia Hughes, sister Megan and brother Jason, offering our love and support during this most difficult time. We are all here for you.
Macksville is a strong and close community. We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened to Phillip.
We are all very proud of Phillip’s achievements and will remember him fondly as a favourite son.
Phillip enjoyed returning home to spend time on the farm with his family and was always the warm, unaffected country boy who was such a delight to be around.”
- The Macksville Ex-Services Junior Cricket Club, Nambucca Valley Shire Council and Bowraville Rugby League
From the Greens Leader Christine Milne and spokesperson on sport Senator Richard Di Natale:
The Australian Greens express profound sadness at the tragic death of the outstanding young cricketer Phillip Hughes.
We send our love and support to his family, friends, teammates and the entire cricket community.
Cricket is a much moved national sport for both players and spectators. It brings us so much joy. But today this tragic event brings us an overwhelming feeling of sadness and a coming together to pay tribute to a wonderful young Australian.
Meg Lanning, captain of Australia’s female cricket team:
A sad, sad day. Absolutely devastating. Thoughts go out to Phillip Hughes' family and friends #RIPPhillipHughes
— Meg Lanning (@meglanning7) November 27, 2014
Kerry O’Keeffe, former bowler and ABC commentator writes below:
RIP Phillip Hughes...country...brilliant...loved...balanced...selfless...fair dinkum.The point fielder in heaven is nervous...very nervous.
— Kerry O'Keeffe (@kokeeffe49) November 27, 2014
International news organisations have begun reporting the news of Phillip Hughes’s death.
The opposition leader Bill Shorten has released the following statement:
A freak accident and a truly tragic piece of misfortune have stolen the life of Phillip Hughes, just a few days before his 26th birthday.
For New South Wales, for South Australia and for his country, Phillip Hughes brought so much more to the dressing room than a piercing cut shot and prodigious talent.
He was a much-loved teammate, a country boy made good whose fighting qualities were admired in equal measure by friend and rival.
Before anything else, Phillip Hughes was a son and a brother.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family today, who were at his side for his peaceful passing.
Today we also think of Sean Abbott – a young man who did nothing wrong.
Right now Sean should know that Australians, indeed cricket-lovers everywhere, share his grief.
We wish him strength in this dark hour.
The game of cricket was enriched by Phillip Hughes’ life – and it will be different after his death.
Today Australia’s cricket family will be grieving.
And all of us have been reminded that life is bigger, more precious and more fickle than any game.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Fellow cricketers who’ve been by Hughes’s bedside have begun leaving St Vincent’s Hospital, many in tears and visibly distraught. Sean Abbott, who delivered the ball which felled Hughes, was at the hospital, but has left. Dave Warner, Hughes’s close friend and the man who was fielding in close for NSW when he was struck, has left with his partner Candice, and keeper Matthew Wade.
Updated
Flags will fly at half mast on all government buildings in NSW tomorrow, premier Mike Baird has announced.
The flags have already been lowered at Cricket NSW at the SCG.
Cricket NSW has released a statement.
Chairman John Warn said:
The entire NSW cricket community offers our heartfelt condolences to Phillip’s mother and father Virginia and Greg, sister Megan and brother Jason at this most difficult of times.
Their grief is being felt across the country and around the cricket world as the extended cricket family comes to terms with the sad loss of a very popular and talented young player.
Phillip touched so many people playing for NSW, Australia, South Australia, county cricket in England and the IPL in India.
A lovable, quiet and affectionate young man from the farming community of Macksville, Phillip has left an indelible impression on the game as a player and a person.”
And from chief executive, Andrew Jones:
So many in the NSW cricket family know Greg, Virginia, Jason and Megan personally. It is tragic that Phillip has been taken from them so young. He reflected their strong country values and warmth as a loving, caring family.
“Phillip is fondly remembered as a bright and cheeky young man with an infectious smile who emerged as an outstanding junior more than a decade ago. Like so many NSW and Australian players before him, Phillip moved to Sydney to play Grade Cricket and found a home at Western Suburbs.
He rose quickly through the ranks, debuting for NSW and scoring a century in a Sheffield Shield final at 19. “For all his good humour he took cricket very seriously and always worked tremendously hard at his game.
Despite being in and out of the Australian team during his emerging years Phillip never complained when he was dropped or overlooked. He always focused on making himself a better player.
It was typical of Phillip that he was fighting his way back into the national team again with a fine innings for South Australia against NSW at the SCG last Tuesday before suffering a freak accident.
Phillip had already scored 26 first class centuries and his best cricket was ahead of him. It is unspeakably sad he cannot now achieve his potential in the game.”
Below is from the former South Africa captain, Graeme Smith:
Totally , totally sick inside and have no words.thinking and praying for friends and family. #RIPPhilHughes
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) November 27, 2014
Current coach of the Australian cricket team, Darren Lehmann:
RIP you little champ, we are all going to miss you ! Love, prayers to all the Hughes family xxxx
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) November 27, 2014
There are suggestions among cricket fans, on Twitter and other social media, that Hughes be named as 12th man for the upcoming first Test against India, starting next week.
Adam Gilchrist, former Australian wicketkeeper, has taken to Twitter. In recent days he had also made statements hoping for the recovery of Hughes, and offering support for Sean Abbott, who bowled the delivery which struck Hughes.
No no no no no. RIP Phillip Hughes
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 27, 2014
For eternity the spirit of Cap No. 408 #RIPPhilHughes
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 27, 2014
May those footprints in the sand now support another young man in need. #SeanAbbott
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 27, 2014
Updated
Hughes’s former team, the South Australian Redbacks, said they had lost their mate “Hughesy.”
“Our deepest condolences to all his family and friends. He will be with us always.”
Harsha Bhogle, the doyen of Indian cricket commentators and the voice of the game around the world, has expressed his sorrow at the news.
Just simply one of the saddest days in cricket. Our beautiful game, which gives more joy than anything else, is in grief #RIPPhillipHughes
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 27, 2014
Tributes have begun pouring in for Hughes, and condolences for his family and friends.
Prime minister Tony Abbott released the following statement this afternoon:
Phillip Hughes was 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.
For a young life to be cut short playing our national game seems a shocking aberration.
He was loved, admired and respected by his teammates and by legions of cricket fans.
Australians’ thoughts and prayers are with the Hughes family.
Phil Hughes dies in hospital
Cricketer Phillip Hughes has died in hospital after he was struck on the head by a short delivery during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old from Macksville, on the north coast of New South Wales, was playing for South Australia against NSW when he collapsed after he was hit on the lower back of the neck by a bouncer. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died on Thursday.
Hughes had remained in an induced coma at St Vincent’s hospital after having emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.
But he never regained consciousness, according to a statement from the Australian team doctor, Peter Brukner on Thursday afternoon.
“It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away,” the statement read.
“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.”
All Sheffield Shield matches were cancelled after Hughes suffered the injury.
It's hard to find the words to express the sense of shock and dismay for the loss of Phillip Hughes. As a cricket fan, I was hoping for his recall to the Australian Test team, for him to be rewarded for his hard work and dedication at first class level, and for him to have the opportunity to fulfil his undoubted talent. Now, all of that is irrelevant. Most of all you would want him to have had a long and happy life. Sympathies to his grieving family, friends, teammates, fellow cricketers and all wjo knew him.