Australian cricketer Phil Hughes passes away after bouncer knock-out

Australian batsman Phil Hughes passes away in a hospital in Sydney at the age of 25; Hughes suffered a head injury after he was hit by a Sean Abbott bouncer during a Sheffield Shield game

Sydney: Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, who was struck on the head by a cricket ball died in hospital, authorities said Thursday.

Also Read: Cricket, other personalities pay tributes to Phil Hughes on Twitter

The incident took place when Hughes was playing in a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Phillip Hughes has a fractured skull and suffered catastrophic bleeding in his brain, reports said Thursday.

Phil Hughes. Pic/ AFP

Hughes has died, said Cricket Australia in a statement Thursday.

Also Read: Post Hughes' knock-out, 'struggling' Sean Abbott returns to SCG

"He never regained consciousness following his injury on Tuesday," Sydney Morning Herald cited the statement as saying.

"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."

Also Read: Phil Hughes was wearing an old, lighter helmet: Manufacturer

Hughes, 25, who was due to celebrate his 26th birthday this weekend, has been in an induced coma since the accident Tuesday afternoon.

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