Follow us at @WorldSportCNN and like us on Facebook
Story highlights
South Australia batsman was fatally injured when hit by a "bouncer"
25 year old had been in a coma since being operated on earlier this week
Ball somehow evaded the cricketer's helmet as he swiveled to play a shot
Australia cricket international Phil Hughes has died after being hit in the head by a ball on Tuesday.
The 25-year old, who had been hoping to regain his place in the team for next week’s Test match against India, passed away on Thursday after failing to recover from an induced coma at a hospital in Sydney.
The South Australia batsman, who would have turned 26 on Sunday, was fatally injured when hit by a “bouncer,” a short ball that bounces up towards the batsman’s torso, near his left ear – the ball somehow evading the cricketer’s helmet as he swiveled to play a shot.
READ: Hughes ‘critical’ after being hit by ball
Australian team doctor Peter Brukner told a press conference Thursday that Hughes suffered a “massive bleed into his brain” during the game on Tuesday afternoon.
“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.
At the same press conference, James Sutherland, the CEO of Cricket Australia, paid tribute to the young cricketer. “Without doubt he was a rising star, with his best cricket ahead of him,” he said.
Outpouring of emotion
His death has triggered an outpouring of emotion in Australia and among cricket enthusiasts the world over.
A statement from the office of Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott read: “Phillip Hughes was 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.
“For a young life to be cut short playing our national game seems a shocking aberration.
“He was loved, admired and respected by his teammates and by legions of cricket fans.
He was loved, admired and respected by his teammates and by legions of cricket fans.
“Australians’ thoughts and prayers are with the Hughes family.”
Australians’ thoughts and prayers are with the Hughes family.
Former England international Nick Compton told CNN his former friend had lived “life to the full.”