World mourns the sudden death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes
Australian batsman, 25, never recovered from freak head knock as shocked teammates, international players and those from other codes offer condolences to the family
Australian batsman Phillip Hughes died yesterday from a rare head injury after a sickening on-field blow in a tragedy that sent shockwaves through the sporting world.
It was one of the highest- profile sporting fatalities since the death of Formula One great Ayrton Senna 20 years ago and reopened a debate on protecting players from potentially lethal blows.
Hughes, who was due to celebrate his 26th birthday on Sunday, never regained consciousness after being hit at the base of the skull by a rising ball, while batting for South Australia against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the Sheffield Shield on Tuesday.
We're devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother, Phillip
"He was not in pain before he passed and was surrounded by his family and close friends," Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said, adding that he died from an injury to the neck that caused a haemorrhage in the brain.
India's two-day tour match due to begin today has been cancelled following the shocking death, Cricket Australia said yesterday.
The tourists were scheduled to begin a two-day game against a Cricket Australia XI in Adelaide, but officials said the grief-stricken players will not be able to take the field.
Australian rugby players are set to wear black armbands against England at Twickenham on tomorrow as a mark of respect, and Pakistan and New Zealand abandoned the second day of their second test match after hearing the news.