South Australian cricketer Phil Hughes has died, aged 25.
Cricket Australia made the announcement a short time ago.
Adelaide Oval has invited fans to leave personal tributes to Hughes at the ground’s southern gates, off War Memorial Drive.
“Our thoughts go out to Phillip’s family, friends, and the entire cricket community on this incredibly sad day,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Hughes has been in a coma for two days since being struck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match in Sydney.
“It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away,” said Australian cricket team doctor Peter Brukner in a statement.
“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.
Hughes suffered the injury when hit by in the head by a bouncer from NSW paceman Sean Abbott while batting for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield match at the SCG on Tuesday.
He underwent emergency surgery to reduce pressure on his brain later that day and remained in an induced coma in intensive care.
As the cricket world came to grips with the severity of his plight, numerous Test and state cricket colleagues and friends joined his family at the hospital over the two days.
Test captain and close friend Michael Clarke was a near constant visitor, arriving back at the hospital just after 6am on Thursday, barely hours after he left the Darlinghurst facility on Wednesday night.
A steady stream of sombre-looking current and former players followed him throughout Thursday.
Mid-morning interstate players Matthew Wade and Aaron Finch, who embraced Brad Haddin as he walked through the hospital doors, arrived.
After visiting the SCG, ashen-faced Australian cricket team coach Darren Lehmann arrived, also returning again after midday.
Tom Cooper, the player batting with Hughes when he was hit, turned up after lunch and met Test opener David Warner outside the foyer where a increasing group of cricketers was gathered.
Some of the biggest names in Australian cricket arrived after 1pm to show their support, including former captain Rick Ponting, and Steve Waugh.
Test player Peter Siddle and James Pattinson were also part of the bedside vigil.
“No no no no no. RIP Phillip Hughes,” tweeted former Test wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.
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 team-mates 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.
“The out-pouring of support for Phillip over the past few days has been overwhelming, and a testament to how much of an impact he had on so many people.”
Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates sent his condolences to Hughes’ famnily 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.
– with AAP
