Australian cricketer Phil Hughes has died in a Sydney hospital, two days after being hit by a bouncer.
Phil Hughes playing against the Black Caps in 2010. Photo: Photosport
Cricket Australia made the announcement and said its thoughts went out to Hughes' family, friends and the entire cricket community.
The South Australian batsman was struck in the head by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain but never regained consciousness.
Australian Cricket team doctor Peter Brukner said Hughes was not in pain before he died and was surrounded by his family and close friends.
Cricket Australia had offered counselling to players who witnessed the incident, including Sean Abbott, the paceman who bowled the bouncer that struck Hughes, AAP reported.
Greg and Virginia Hughes, parents of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes, leave the hospital after his death. Photo: AFP
NZ-Pakistan play suspended
Play has been suspended in the Pakistan Test match against New Zealand in Sharjah out of respect for Hughes.
A team spokesperson said the Black Caps learned of Hughes' death shortly before they were due to take the field, and the dressing room was sombre.
New Zealand Cricket and the International Cricket Council say they are shocked and saddened by Hughes' death.
ICC chief executive David Richardson said cricketers worldwide would be devastated and the council's thoughts were with everyone affected by the tragedy.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said cricket was a game of kinship and friendship and his thoughts and condolences were with Hughes' family and friends.
Meanwhile, there are doubts over whether the first cricket test between Australia and India will go ahead next week in Brisbane following Hughes' death.
The entire round of domestic Sheffield Shield matches have been called off and the Test in Brisbane, which is due to start next Thursday, will go ahead.
Former Australia captain Allan Border said he would understand if players wanted to pull out of the Test match.
"There'll be guys, particularly the guys that were out on the field at the time, (when Hughes was struck) that are named in the Test squad - they mightn't be feeling like playing cricket at the moment," he said.
The Test squad is due to begin assembling in Brisbane on Sunday.
