NewsBite

Phillip Hughes, Australian cricketer, dies aged 25

A NATION is in shock at the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, the 25-year-old batsman who was killed in a freak cricket accident.

Cameron TomarchioCameron Tomarchio
@cam_tomarchio
4 min read
November 27, 2014 - 11:51AM
Phillip Hughes has lost his tragic fight for life.
Phillip Hughes has lost his tragic fight for life.

AUSTRALIAN cricketer Phillip Hughes died today after succumbing to injuries he suffered when struck by a bouncer at the SCG on Tuesday.

He was 25.

At an emotional press conference this evening, Australian captain Michael Clarke fought back tears as he delivered a statement on behalf of the Hughes family.

“We are devastated by the loss of our much loved son and brother Phillip.

“It’s been a very difficult few days and we appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

“Cricket was Phillip’s life and we as a family share that love of the game with him. We would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at St Vincent’s Hospital and Cricket NSW medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you.”

Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said in a statement this afternoon: “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.

“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.”

A life taken too soon ... Phillip Hughes.
A life taken too soon ... Phillip Hughes.

Tributes have flooded in from the biggest names in cricket — past and present.

“No no no no no. RIP Phillip Hughes,” tweeted former Test wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.

Former paceman Brett Lee said: “No words can describe the loss.”

While Australian coach Darren Lehmann tweeted: “RIP you little champ, we are all going to miss you ! Love, prayers to all the Hughes family xxxx”

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said 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,” Mr Abbott said in a statement.

“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.”

Hughes’ death has been described as a “devastating day in the history of cricket”.
Hughes’ death has been described as a “devastating day in the history of cricket”.

FURTHER HUGHES COVERAGE:

Obituary: The kid from Macksville who played cricket his way

Tribute: He will be remembered as one of cricket’s most likeable characters

Former flatmate: Hughes changed my career

Should we cancel the First Test in Brisbane?

India rejects cancellation talk

South Australian Cricket Association chief executive Keith Bradshaw said Hughes was a very popular member of the state team.

“While everyone at SACA is hurting, the immediate thoughts of all staff and players are for Phillip’s family who were with him at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney,” Bradshaw said in a statement.

“Loved by everyone, Phillip was a really terrific person and a remarkable talent. He had many friends and teammates here and interstate that will need support, and it is important we offer them our love and care as we all come to terms with this tragic event.

Hughes played 26 Tests for Australia.
Hughes played 26 Tests for Australia.

Cricket NSW, where he broke into first-class ranks as an 18-year-old prodigy from the small mid-north coast town of Macksville, also paid tribute to their talented product.

“Phillip touched so many people playing for NSW, Australia, South Australia, county cricket in England and the IPL in India,” said Cricket NSW chairman John Warn.

“A lovable, quiet and affectionate young man from the farming community of Macksville, Phillip has left an indelible impression on the game as a player and a person.”

Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates sent his condolences to Hughes’ family on behalf of the country’s Olympians.

“We mourn the passing of an outstanding athlete and share the grief of the entire cricket community,” Coates said.

Hughes, who was pushing for a Test recall against India in Brisbane next week, was knocked out after the ball made impact under his helmet, behind his left ear.

Hughes collapsed on the pitch before being rushed to Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.

He had been in critical condition in intensive care since Tuesday afternoon, with Australian captain Michael Clarke, vice-captain Brad Haddin and opener David Warner among the devastated players on hand to show their support.

The incident had been described by former Test stars as a “freak accident” and something “never before seen in cricket”.

Tributes are being posted in the dozens on Twitter from the cricket, sporting and wider community.

Hughes in action for Australia.
Hughes in action for Australia.

Hughes played 26 Test matches for Australia after making his debut 2009, but despite a sparkling start to his international career at the age of 19, he was not able to earn a regular spot in the starting lineup.

After making an assured 75 in his first Test innings against South Africa at Johannesburg, he posted centuries in each innings of his second Test, becoming the youngest player ever to do that in Test cricket.

But he struggled on the subsequent tour of England and was in and out of the Australian team four more times.

He was on the verge of another Test recall, with an assured 63, when he was fatally struck.

He also played 25 limited-overs internationals for Australia and more than 114 first-class matches in a career starting in 2007.

— with AAP

Leave your tribute in the comments section below.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/phillip-hughes-australian-cricketer-dies-aged-25/news-story/5040a82933a3cc2b0276442e54f7fc82