PHILLIP HUGHES has lost his battle for life as cricket faced its saddest day.
The Australian batsman never regained consciousness after being struck on the
neck by a bouncer and suffering catastrophic injuries while batting on
Tuesday.
A decision was made to switch off his life support systems at St Vincent
Hospital in Sydney and Cricket Australia doctor Peter Brukner announced at
around 3.30am UK time that Hughes had died.
Brukner said: “It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip
Hughes passed away. 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.
“As a cricket community, we mourn his loss and extend our deepest sympathies
to Phillip’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time. Cricket
Australia kindly asks that the privacy of the Hughes family, players and
staff be respected.”
Dr Brukner later gave further details at a Press conference and revealed the
main artery leading to Hughes’ brain had been split.
Medics at St Vincent Hospital said it was a “one in a billion” accident, the
sort normally seen only in high-speed car collisions.
Hughes is thought to be the first batsman to die after being hit on the head
in a first-class match since George Summers playing for Nottinghamshire
against MCC at Lord’s as long ago as 1870.
Players from across the world quickly expressed their shock and sorrow via
social media and it is difficult to believe that cricket has endured more
shattering news.
Many extended sympathy to Sean Abbott, the bowler of the fateful bouncer, and
said he should not blame himself in any way.
Hughes, 25, was a battling left-handed batsman who scored a century in each
innings of only his second Test against South Africa in 2009.
He was unable to hold down a regular place but still played 26 Test matches
and appeared in three Ashes series.
Hughes will be best remembered by England supporters for scoring 81 not out
and sharing an incredible tenth-wicket partnership of 163 with Ashton Agar
in the First Test at Trent Bridge in 2013.
The next Test at Lord’s was the last he would play for Australia.
Hughes was an impish, positive character and immensely popular with team-mates
and opponents wherever he played – and his career included stints with three
counties, Middlesex, Hampshire and Worcestershire.
He had scored 63 not out while batting for South Australia against New South
Wales, his former state team, when he aimed a hook shot at a short ball
delivered by Abbott.
The ball hit Hughes on the left side of his neck below the shell of his helmet
and, after briefly bending over, he toppled forward and fell hard on the
pitch.
He was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and oxygen by the boundary and then
taken to hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma and underwent
surgery to try to ease the pressure on his brain.
A constant stream of friends, family and team-mates visited Hughes at the
hospital, holding his hand and talking to him. Many had flown in from other
states.
Injured Australian captain Michael Clarke, whose place Hughes might have taken
in next week’s First Test against India, barely left his bedside for two
days.
Dr.Brukner said Clarke had been an immense support to the Hughes family and it
was the Aussie skipper who read a statement on their behalf.
He said: “Clarke read out a statement on behalf of the Hughes family.
“We’re devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Phillip,” he
said. “It’s been a very difficult few days, we appreciate all the support we
have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the
general public.
Awful to wake up to the news of Phil Hughes! Tragic day for the sport. Thoughts go out to those close to him!
— Joe Root (@joeroot05)
A very sad day for the world of cricket. So sorry for Phillip Hughes and his family .
Spare a thought for Sean Abbott.
— Ian Botham (@BeefyBotham)
Absolutely devastated to hear that Phil has passed away. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.
— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell)
“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 New South Wales medical staff for their great
efforts with Phillip.
“We love you.”
A clearly emotional Clarke then stood up and left the room.
The Indian team observed a minute’s silence and cancelled their training
session after hearing the tragic news. The Test in Brisbane might be
abandoned as a mark of respect.
England cancelled all media activity on Thursday and were due to issue a team
statement.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said: “Phillip Hughes was a young man
living out his dreams. His death is a very sad day for cricket and
heartbreaking for his family. What happened has touched millions of
Australians.”
Aussie coach Darren Lehmann tweeted: “RIP you little champ, we are all going
to miss you ! Love, prayers to all the Hughes family xxxx”
England’s players were shocked to hear the news the morning after their 25-run
defeat in the opening one-day international in Sri Lanka.
Batsman Joe Root tweeted: “Awful to wake up to the news of Phil Hughes! Tragic
day for the sport. Thoughts go out to those close to him.”
Alex Hales added: “Horrified to hear about Phil Hughes… Champion of a guy,
loved my experience playing for Adelaide alongside him.”
And Jos Buttler wrote: “Shocked and saddened by the tragic news. Thoughts and
prayers with family and friends. Sad day.”
Ian Bell said: “Absolutely devastated to hear that Phil has passed away.
Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.”
Ben Stokes wrote: “Horrific news to wake up to, RIP Phil Hughes, thoughts to
friends and his family, spare a thought for Sean Abbott as well.”
Ravi Bopara added: “This is the saddest day in the world of cricket..a young
man gone too soon.”
The tragedy will increase calls for a probe into cricket safety but, although
batsmen frequently suffer bruises and broken bones, serious head injuries
are extremely rare.
