Australian batsman Phillip Hughes has died from the injuries sustained when he was hit by a ball in a domestic game earlier this week.
Hughes, who would have turned 26 on Sunday, was batting for South Australia against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground, when the accident happened.
The Australian team doctor Peter Brukner confirmed he never regained consciousness.
“It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away,” he said.
Hughes, who was wearing a protective helmet, collapsed face first onto the pitch after being hit by a ball on the back, lower left side of his head from pace bowler Sean Abbott as he attempted a pull shot.
He was then given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and oxygen on the boundary line after being carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
Hughes was then rushed to the city’s St Vincent’s Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was being monitored in the intensive care unit.
Updates from Cricket Australia yesterday said Hughes remained in a critical condition after undergoing scans but the governing body today confirmed the worst.
Brukner added: “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.”
Australia coach Darren Lehmann leading the early tributes on Twitter.
RIP you little champ, we are all going to miss you ! Love, prayers to all the Hughes family xxxx
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) November 27, 2014
The loss of Phillip Hughes is heartbreaking for our country. We grieve for a man who gave his all to the sport he loved. JG
— Julia Gillard (@JuliaGillard) November 27, 2014
We are extremely sad to announce that Phillip Hughes has passed away at the age of 25 pic.twitter.com/RjIWcqlT2v
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 27, 2014
Pakistan and New Zealand confirmed that a minute's silence would be observed before they began day two of their Test match in Sharjah in memory of Hughes.