ICC mourns Hughes' death

Dubai, Nov 27 (IANS) The Internaional Cricket Council (ICC) offered its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Australia batsman Phillip Hughes, who passed away Thursday following an injury he suffered during a first-class match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"We are all shocked and saddened with the news of Phillip's passing. On behalf of the entire cricket community, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends," ICC chairman N. Srinivasan said in a statement.

The 25-year-old Hughes, who represented the national team in 26 Tests between 2009-2013, fractured his skull and suffered catastrophic bleeding in his brain after being hit by pacer Sean Abbot's bouncer in a Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Tuesday.

Hughes was carried off the ground on a stretcher and treated on the boundary before being rushed to the St. Vincent's Hospital where he underwent surgery. The match was abandoned following the incident.

The left-hander Hughes was in an induced coma at the Sydney hospital after undergoing surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.

Born in Macksville, New South Wales, Hughes made his Test debut against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2009 and in only his second Test match, in Durban, he became the youngest cricketer to score two centuries in a Test.

Hughes also played 25 One-Day Internationals (scoring 826 runs, including two centuries) - most recently in the victory over Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in October - and one T20 International.

"He was a naturally gifted player who entertained many with his attacking approach to the game. All those who play, have played or are in any way connected to the game are devastated by the news. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy at this difficult time," ICC CEO David Richardson said.