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Hit by bouncer 2 days ago, Oz cricketer dies

Sydney, November 27
Promising Australian batsman Philip Hughes today died of a head injury sustained two days ago during a domestic match, leaving the cricket fraternity completely devastated over the "real-life tragedy".

The 25-year-old cricketer, who was in contention for a Test recall for the coming series against India, succumbed to his injuries at the St Vincent's Hospital, where he was battling for life after being hit on the head by a bouncer from Sean Abbot.

“It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away," Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said 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 played 26 Tests in his short-career, scoring 1,535 runs at 32.65 with three centuries and seven fifties. His final Test was at Lord's in July 2013.

He also played 25 ODIs and remains the only Australian to score a century on ODI debut. His final ODI came last month against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, one week after he played his lone T20 international against the same opposition in Dubai.

Hughes' teammates and cricketers the world over, including batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, expressed shock over his tragic death and offered deepest condolences to his family. The Indian cricket team also joined in the condolences.

The incident happened when Hughes was batting for South Australia during a Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales on Tuesday. He was batting on 63 when he was struck by the bouncer below the helmet while trying to play a hook shot. He was administered CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation before being taken to the hospital. — PTI

Philip Hughes was likely to play against India