Australia Test batsman Phillip Hughes has died aged
25, two days after being struck on the top of the neck by a ball during a
domestic match in Sydney.
Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said he passed away in hospital,
never regaining consciousness.
Hughes, who also played for Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire,
was hit by a delivery from bowler 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, who would have been 26 on Sunday, was being treated.
Speaking on behalf of parents Greg and Virginia, sister Megan and
brother Jason, he said: "We're devastated by the loss of our much-loved son
and brother, Phillip. It's been a very difficult few days.
"We appreciate all the support we have received from family,
friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.
"Cricket was Phillip's life and we as a family shared that love of
the game with him. We would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at
St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket New South Wales medical staff for their great
efforts with Phillip. We love you."
A clearly emotional Clarke then stood up and left the room.
Hughes, batting for South Australia, collapsed face first on the ground
after being hit by a bouncer from Abbott during a Sheffield Shield game against
New South Wales.
Hughes had been wearing a helmet but the ball struck him at the top of
the neck, causing the injury.
He had CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at the ground before being
taken to St Vincent's Hospital, where he had a 90-minute operation to relieve
pressure on his brain.
Members of the Australian national team, including Clarke, visited Hughes
in hospital.
But his death was confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
"It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip
Hughes passed away," said Brukner.
"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."
Speaking at the news conference, Brukner explained that Hughes had died
as a result of "vertebral artery dissection".
He said the artery had been compressed, causing it to split and leading
to a "massive bleed" into the brain.
Brukner said the injury was "freakish", adding:
"Vertebral artery dissection is incredibly rare. If you look in the
literature, there is only 100 cases reported. There is only one previous
example caused by a cricket ball."
The Australian flag was lowered to half-mast over the Sydney Cricket
Ground where Hughes suffered the horrific injury. Flags were also lowered at
the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott paid tribute to Hughes,
describing him as "a young man living out his dreams".
"His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day
for his family. What happened has touched millions of Australians," he said.
"For a young life to be cut short playing our national game seems
a shocking aberration. He was loved, admired and respected by his team-mates
and by legions of cricket fans."
Australia coach Darren Lehmann tweeted: "RIP you little champ, we
are all going to miss you! Love, prayers to all the Hughes family."
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