Phillip Hughes 1988-2014
27 November 2014
Gloucestershire Cricket joins the cricketing world in sending its sincere condolences to the family, friends and team mates of Australian batsman, Phil Hughes, upon hearing the tragic news of his passing in Sydney today.
The former Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire cricketer suffered a serious head injury after being struck by a ball playing for New South Wales on Tuesday.
Hughes was 63 not out in the Sheffield Shield match versus South Australia when he was knocked unconscious by a bouncer. He never regained consciousness.
Australia Captain and teammate Michael Clarke this morning read out a statement on behalf of Hughes' family:
"We are devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Phillip. It has been a very difficult few days. We appreciated all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.
"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 NSW medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you."
James Sutherland, Cricket Australia CEO, 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. In these darkest of hours cricket puts its collective arms around the Hughes' family."
The release of the 2015 County Championship fixtures, due for Thursday, has been delayed out of respect.
