BURNLEY-born England bowler James Anderson was among the many from the cricket and sporting world to express their sadness at the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes yesterday.

The 25-year-old died just two days after being hit by a bouncer while batting for South Australia against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Hughes was carried off on a stretcher after being struck on the top of the neck, just underneath his helmet, by a short-pitched delivery from Sean Abbott.

He was treated in Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital but Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said Hughes did not regain consciousness.

Anderson tweeted: “Can’t quite believe the news. Devastating. My thoughts go out to Phil Hughes’ family and friends. Thoughts also with Sean Abbott.”

Hughes’ death has been described as a “real-life tragedy” by Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland.

He said: “The word tragedy gets used far too often in sport but this freak accident is now a real-life tragedy.

 


 

“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.”

Australia captain Michael Clarke read out a statement on behalf of the family of Hughes, who would have been 26 on Sunday.

Speaking on behalf of parents Greg and Virginia, sister Megan and brother Jason, he said: “We’re devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother, Phillip. It’s 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.”