Cricketer Phillip Hughes has died in hospital after he was struck on the head by a short delivery during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old from Macksville, on the north coast of New South Wales, was playing for South Australia against NSW when he collapsed after he was hit on the lower back of the neck by a bouncer. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died on Thursday.
Hughes had remained in an induced coma at St Vincent’s hospital after having emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.
But he never regained consciousness, according to a statement from the Australian team doctor, Peter Brukner on Thursday afternoon.
“It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away,” the statement read.
“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.”
Just a few days after the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, the cricket world has been shaken yet again with the death of umpire and former captain of Israel’s national cricket team Hillel Oscar.
The 55-year-old was hit in the jaw by a ball, however Israeli police have ruled out foul play.
The devastating accident happened in the southern port city of Ashdod during Saturday’s game.