25-year-old Australian cricketer tragically dies from head injury
The cricketer suffered a blow to the head during a New South Wales’ first-class match against South Australia.
Emotional cricket captain Michael Clarke read a statement from the family during a news conference, he said, “We’re devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Philip.
It’s been a very difficult few days, we appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.
“Cricket was Philip’s life, and we as a family shared that love of the game with him.”
Hughes, who had scored 63 runs, was hit by bowler Sean Abbott. Despite wearing a helmet at the time he suffered severe head injury as players and umpires rushed to his aid. At St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney surgeons removed part of the batsman’s skull to relieve pressure on his brain, but his condition remained the same and Hughes died from a cerebral haemorrhage.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said, “The word tragedy gets used too often in sport, but this freak accident is real life tragedy.
“Just days short of his 26th birthday, Phillip has been taken away from us too soon. He will forever be remembered as one of the elite few to have worn the baggy green cap, cap number 408.”
Australian team doctor Peter Brukner revealed the cricketer suffered a compressed vertebral artery after being hit by the ball and had to be resuscitated at the ground.
He said, “He never regained consciousness following his injury. 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.”
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott led a tribute to the player saying, “His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heart-breaking 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.”
Born in Macksville, New South Wales, Hughes made his Test debut against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2009 and became the youngest player to score two centuries in a test in only his second game.
He played 26 Test matches, 25 one-day internationals and one T20 international.
