Cricketer Phil Hughes dies two days after being hit by ball

Australia Test batsman Phil Hughes has died two days after being hit on the head with a cricket ball during a match.

Australian team doctor Peter Bruckner said the 25-year-old “never regained consciousness” following his injury on Tuesday.

Hughes, who also played for Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire, was struck by a ball from Sean Abbott.

A spokesman for his family said he was “not in pain” before he died and was surrounded by his family and close friends.

“It’s an understatement to say we’re completely devastated,” said Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland.

“The word tragedy gets used too often in sport, but this freak accident is a real life tragedy.”