Australian cricket star Phil Hughes dead after being hit by ball

Australia Test batsman Philip Hughes, who was hit on the head by a ball two days ago, has passed away due to serious head injury.

16:14 27 November 2014

Australian cricket star Phil Hughes, who suffered a serious head injury after he was hit on the head by a ball two days ago, has passed away. He was 25. 

 

The Australia Test batsman was hit on the back left side of the head while batting for South Australia against New South Wales at the Sydney Ground on Tuesday. 

 

It was Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland who confirmed the sad news. He added: "The word tragedy gets used far too often in sport but this freak accident is now a real-life tragedy.

 

"It's an understatement to say that we are completely devastated. Our grief runs deep and the impact of Phillip's loss is enormous but nothing compares to the loss felt by those closest to him.

 

"Phillip was a cherished son, brother, friend and team-mate. In these darkest of hours cricket puts its collective arms around the Hughes family."

 

In a statement, Australia team doctor Peter 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."