Phillip Hughes passes away aged 25

Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes succumbed to his injuries on Thursday. He was 25.

25-year-old Australian batsman Phillip Hughes has passed away after battling for his life for more than 2 days at Sydney’s St. Vincent’s hospital. Hughes was hit on his head by a bouncer while playing in a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG on Tuesday.

Australian team doctor Peter Brukner released a statement on Thursday 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.”

Hughes was batting for South Australia on 63 at SCG when a bouncer by New South Wales all-rounder Sean Abbott hit his head. He collapsed on the pitch and was immediately rushed to St. Vincent’s Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

Since then, he had been in induced coma and was breathing with medical help.

Steve Smith consoles Simon Katich at St Vincent's Hospital after hearing about Phillip Hughes’s death

Australian cricketers comfort each other

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott called it “a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family.”

“What happened has touched millions of Australians,” 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. Australians’ thoughts and prayers are with the Hughes family.”

Hughes started his international career in 2009 when at the age of 20, he became the youngest player ever to score two centuries in a Test.

He played 26 Tests and 25 ODIs and one T20I for Australia. He had scored 3 centuries in his Test career and was looking to make a comeback in the squad for the first Test against India in Brisbane.