Australia Test batsman Phil Hughes, 25, has died in hospital,

Phillip Joel Hughes was an Australian Test and One-Day International cricketer who played domestic cricket for South Australia

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.

“Phillip Hughes was a young man living out his dreams. For a young life to be cut short playing our national game seems a shocking aberration. His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family. He was loved, admired and respected by his teammates and by legions of cricket fans.’’
- Australian PM, Tony Abbot..

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 held at St Vincent's Hospital, where the player was being treated.

A Cricket Australia statement said that Phillip Hughes 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."

Since making his Test debut against South Africa in Johannesburg in February-March 2009, the left-handed Phillip Hughes played 26 Tests, scoring 1535 runs, studded with three centuries and seven fifties. With a top score of 160 versus South Africa at Durban, Hughes has a modest Test average of 32.65 but what has made him a fringe player is the lack of consistency. Hughes, pushing 26, played his last Test match against England at Lord's in July 2013.


We love you Phil Hughes..you are still not out on 63 in our hearts..you will be missed..RIP Phil Hughes 
Sean Abbot..its not your fault..be strong in this difficult time and every cricket fan is with you..