Thursday 27 November 2014 14:15, UK
News of the tragic death of Phillip Hughes has prompted an outpouring of grief among cricketers throughout the world.
Hughes passed away on Thursday, two days after he was struck by a bouncer while playing for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match in Sydney.
Australia Test players Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith were among the cricketers to visit Hughes’ bedside prior to his passing away and Australia Test captain Michael Clarke, a close friend of Hughes, was an almost constant presence at the hospital.
Following the terrible news that Hughes had died from his injuries, Australia coach Darren Lehmann tweeted: “RIP you little champ, we are all going to miss you! Love, prayers to all the Hughes family xxxx.”
Hughes was the 408th man to play Test cricket for Australia and spinner Nathan Lyon wrote: “Today we lost one of the greats! RIP Hughes #408 #willbemissed #loveyamate."
And Smith wrote: “Rest in peace Hughesy. I am really going to miss you. You were 1 of the great blokes and I will never forget you. #408 will live on forever."
Former Aussie paceman Brett Lee also played alongside Hughes in the national team. Lee tweeted a picture of himself sitting next to the batsman and said: "No words can describe the loss Rip."
The England team are currently on tour in Sri Lanka and released a statement on Twitter which said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to Phillip Hughes' family, friends and teammates at this incredibly sad time.
"Phillip was admired and respected by all he played with and against and will never be forgotten by the cricket community."
And Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar said on Twitter: “Shocked to hear about Phil. Sad day for cricket.
"Deepest condolences to family, friends and well wishers. RIP.”
The India team, who are currently touring Australia also released a statement that read:
"The touring Indian team joins the cricketing fraternity across the world in offering condolences to the family of Phillip Hughes, who has departed from our midst. In this moment of grief, we pray that they are bestowed with divine strength to overcome this unfortunate tragedy.
"As fellow cricketers we cherish the memories of playing along with him and deeply respect his contribution to the game of cricket."
