(Image source from: Phillip Hughes has passed away following blow to the head})
Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes has died in hospital, two days after he was struck on the head by a cricket ball while playing in a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Cricket Australia announced the news with a statement from team doctor Peter Brukner."It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away,
"It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away," Dr Brukner's statement read.
"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.
"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."
Hughes, 25, has been in an induced coma since the accident on Tuesday afternoon.
Australia captain Michael Clarke, a long-time teammate and friend, was among the many from within Australian cricket to visit Hughes and his family at the hospital, offering support and well wishes.
Hughes, who hailed from Macksville on the New South Wales mid north coast, was struck by a ball below the helmet while attempting to play a hook shot to a short-pitched delivery at 2.23pm Tuesday, the opening day of his team's match against NSW.
He was 63 not out at the time and pushing his case for a recall to the Australian Test team.
The South Australia players and staff are also receiving counselling, in particular Tom Cooper, who was at the non-striker's end at the time of Hughes's injury.
Hughes, who would have turned 26 on Sunday, was a hugely popular and respected figure within Australian cricket, renowned for his consummate professionalism and a hunger to succeed that was balanced alongside his unassuming nature and ready sense of humour.
He was also extremely close to his family he is survived by his father Greg, mother Virginia, brother Jason and sister Megan - and he planned to return to the family property ay Macksville at the conclusion of his cricket career to pursue his passion for cattle breeding.
AW: Arun Kumar
