Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes has died in hospital, two days after he was struck in the head by a cricket ball while playing in a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Cricket Australia said in a statement on Thursday afternoon that Hughes had died.
"He never regained consciousness following his injury on Tuesday," the statement said.
"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 has been in an induced coma since the accident on Tuesday afternoon.
Hughes, 25, was hit on the side of the head when he attempted to hook the bouncer, delivered by NSW paceman Sean Abbott at the SCG on Tuesday.
While he seemed to compose himself, the former Test opener leant forward, put his hands on his knees and, after a few seconds, suddenly collapsed head-first on to the pitch.
It was horrific, and the desperation of the moment was reflected by the way the umpires and his former teammates raced to his aid.
More to come.
