Australia batsman Phil Hughes dies at the age of 25

AUSTRALIA batsman Phil Hughes has died at the age of 25.

The former Worcestershire, Middlesex and Hampshire cricketer suffered a serious brain injury after being struck by a ball playing for South Australia on Tuesday.

Hughes was 63 not out in the Sheffield Shield matchversus New South Waleswhen he was knocked unconscious by a bouncer and never regained consciousness.

Australia captain and teammate Michael Clarke read a statement on behalf of Hughes' parents Greg and Virginia, and brother and sister Jason and Megan.

"We are devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Phillip. It has been a very difficult few days. We appreciated all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

"Cricket was Phillip's life, and we as a family shared that love of the game with him. We would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket NSW medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you."

James Sutherland, the Cricket Australia CEO, said: "The word tragedy gets used far too often in sport but this freak accident is now a real-life tragedy.

“Just shy of his 26th birthday, Phillip has been taken from us far too young. It's an understatement to say that we are completely devastated.

“Our grief runs deep and the impact of Phillip's loss is enormous but nothing compares to the loss felt by those closest to him.

"Phillip was a cherished son, brother, friend and team-mate. In these darkest of hours cricket puts its collective arms around the Hughes family."

Kent Cricket joined the cricketing community in mourning at the news.

CEO Jamie Clifford said: "I am greatly saddened by the tragic news of Phil Hughes' death. All my thoughts are with Phil's family.

"Kent County Cricket Club sends deep condolences to Phil Hughes' family, friends and teammates."

Captain Rob Key wrote on Twitter: "Desperate, desperate news about Phil Hughes. Can't imagine what his family must be going through."

Vice-captain Sam Northeast, current playing in Australia, wrote on Twitter: “Devastating news to hear Phil Hughes has passed away. Thoughts are with his family. Extremely sad day.”

Australian-born Kent bowler Mitchell Claydon, playing in New South Wales, said: “Absolutely gutted. Very sad day. Thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Adam Riley and Sam Billings, on tour in Sri Lanka with the England Performance Programme also paid their respects.

Riley wrote: “One of cricket’s darkest days. RIP Phil Hughes.”

Billings wrote: “Horrendous news about Phil Hughes. Sad, sad day. Devastating.”

In view of the tragic news, the England and Wales Cricket Board has delayed the scheduled publication of the 2015 county cricket fixtures by 24 hours.

The 2015 fixtures will be published at 10.30am on Friday 28 November 2014 on www.kentcricket.co.uk