Thursday 27 November 2014 08:54, UK
Phillip Hughes’ family have released a statement expressing their devastation at the death of the Australia Test batsman at the age of just 25.
Hughes died on Thursday after being hit on the head by a bouncer while batting for South Australia against New South Wales in a Sheffield Shield match on Tuesday.
The family’s statement was read by Australia Test captain Michael Clarke, a great friend of Hughes’, at a press conference at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.
Clarke said: “This statement is on behalf of Greg, Virginia, Jason and Megan Hughes.
“We are devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Phillip.
“It has been a very difficult few days. We appreciate 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 New South Wales medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you.”
South Australia chief executive Keith Bradshaw said: "While everyone at SACA is hurting, the immediate thoughts of all staff and players are for Phillip's family, who were with him at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney.
"He was a very popular member of both the West End Redbacks and Adelaide Strikers cricket teams and a favourite of the SACA members and cricket fans across South Australia and Australia, and we are all struggling to come to terms with the news.
"Loved by everyone, Phillip was a really terrific person and a remarkable talent. He had many friends and team-mates 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.
"The out-pouring of support for Phillip over the past few days has been overwhelming, and a testament to how much of an impact he had on so many people."
Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott led the tributes to Hughes, saying: “Phillip Hughes was a young man living out his dreams. 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."
