Phil Hughes Dead: Tributes Paid to 'Remarkably Talented' Australian Cricketer

Tributes have been paid to the Australian cricketer Phil Hughes, who has died aged 25, two days after been hit on the head by a ball.

Hughes was struck on the back of the head by a bouncing ball while playing in a domestic match in Sydney. He was carried off on a stretcher from the Sydney Cricket Ground and never regained consciousness.

Hughes, who played 26 test matched for Australia scoring more than 1,500 runs, was hit following a short delivery from bowler Sean Abbott.

Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said he was not in pain when he died and was surrounded by his friends and family.

Tributes have now been paid to the 25-year-old described as a "remarkable talent" who was "loved by everyone".

His family said they were devastated by his death, adding "cricket was his life."

In a statement read on their behalf by Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke, the Hughes family said: "We are devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Phillip. It has been a very difficult few days and we appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

"Cricket was Phil's life and we as a family share 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."

The England cricket team added the batsman was a player who was "admired and respected by all he played with and against."

Australian Prime Minister said Hughes was a young man who was "living out his dreams."

He added: "His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family. What happened has touched millions of Australians. For a young life to be cut short playing our national game seems a shocking aberration. He was loved, admired and respected by his teammates and by legions of cricket fans."

Stars of the cricket world have also paid their respects to Hughes. England legend Ian Botham described his death as a "very sad day for the world of cricket."

Former Australia bowler Shane Warne said he "cannot describe the sadness" felt after hearing the "horrific news" that Hughes had died.

South Australian Cricket Association Chief Executive Keith Bradshaw said Hughes was a "terrific person and a remarkable talent."

He added: "He had many friends and teammates here and interstate that will need support, and it is important we offer them our love and care as we all come to terms with this tragic event."

Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland 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."