Phillip Hughes dies: Tributes pour in for Australian test batsman
Tributes from around the world are pouring in for Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes who has died, two days after being struck on the head by a ball in a domestic cricket match.
The 25-year-old test batsman never regained consciousness, the Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said in a statement on Thursday.
Hughes was batting for South Australia against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday when a short delivery bounced into his head, missing his helmet.
The force of the ball caused a haemorrhage that rendered him unconscious. CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was performed on the pitch, while a number of operations were performed in hospital to reduce the swelling.
Brukner said in a statement: "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."
Tributes from the cricketing world and beyond are being made to the talented cricketer who had played in 26 tests for Australia, scoring 1,535 runs.
New Zealand and Pakistan have suspended play on day two of their third and final test match in Sharjah, due to take place today, out of respect for Hughes.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Hughes was someone who "lived his dreams".
Abbott commented:
His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family.
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.
Australian cricket coach Darren Lehmann took to Twitter to write; "RIP you little champ, we are all going to miss you! Love, prayers to all the Hughes family xxxx", while test captain Michael Clarke read a short statement to the press in which he said: "We love you."
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
A very sad day for the world of cricket. So sorry for Phillip Hughes and his family . Spare a thought for Sean Abbott.
— Ian Botham (@BeefyBotham) November 27, 2014
Spent over 40 years watching & playing cricket. This is the saddest of days for everyone who loves the game. #RIPPhillipHughes
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 27, 2014
Absolutely devastated to hear that Phil has passed away. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. #RIPPhillipHughes
— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) November 27, 2014
For eternity the spirit of Cap No. 408 #RIPPhilHughes
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 27, 2014
Just heard the worst news possible..our thoughts & prayers are with Phil, his family & friends. RIP Phil Hughes!!
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) November 27, 2014
Heart broken! A very dark day. You will be missed, Phil Hughes. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family & friends.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 27, 2014
Such terrible news with the passing of Phil Hughes. Our deepest sympathies to his family.
— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) November 27, 2014