Phil Hughes dies aged 25

Australia and New South Wales batsmanPhil Hughes has died at the age of 25 at a Sydney hospital after succumbing to an injury sustained from being hit on the head by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield game on Tuesday. 

Hughes, who in 2009 became the youngest player to score a century in each innings of a Test when he achieved the feat against South Africa in his second appearance, had been in critical condition after doctors performed emergency brain surgery. He played 26 Tests, 25 ODIs and a solitary Twenty20 international.

“It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away. 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,” said Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said in a statement released on Thursday. “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.”