Phil Hughes dies after severe head injury
Hughes underwent emergency surgery and was put in an induced coma but never regained consciousness.
The Australian Test batsman required emergency surgery after being struck on the head during a Sheffield Shield match in Sydney.
A rising Sean Abbott delivery hit Hughes on the head when the batsman attempted to hook when on 63.
Hughes appeared stunned and then collapsed face first on the pitch where he required treatment.
His Australian team doctor, Peter Brukner, has released a statement on his passing.
"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.
"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."
(Above: Hughes is helped by New South Wales players after falling to the ground after being struck in the head.)
Fans have been reacting to the news on social media.
To the family & friends of Phil Hughes, our thoughts are with you. Words can't describe the sadness. May he rest in peace
— Jessica Trengove (@JessTrengove) November 27, 2014
RIP #PhilHughes This is crazy! Great Cricketer and so young! :( Damn :(
— Shery Rizvi Ⓜ️ (@SheryRizvi) November 27, 2014
#RIP #PhilHughes. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends & all the Cricketing World. @ImRo45 @CricketAus pic.twitter.com/Web9zt9pvX
— RohitSharmaFanClub (@RSharmafanclub) November 27, 2014
Wow 😢 - RIP Phil Hughes. One must feel for the bowler. His life will never be the same again.
— Loyiso Mdebuka (@DJLOYD) November 27, 2014
Waking up the news of Phil Hughes's passing. Tragic stuff. Sad day for cricket. RIP Hughesy
— Siyabonga Nyezi (@siyanyezi) November 27, 2014
Very sad news to wake up to. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Phil Hughes. #RIPHughesy
— David Miller (@DavidMillerSA12) November 27, 2014
What can one say?? 😭😭😭 Pretty sh*t news to wake up to. #RIPPhillipHughes pic.twitter.com/RIUA8ShE54
— Wayne Parnell (@WayneParnell) November 27, 2014
(Thumbnail: Gallo Images)