Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club pay respects to Australian test batsmen Phil Hughes after tragic death

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club have extended their deepest sympathies to the family, friends, team mates and fans of Australian batsman Phil Hughes who tragically passed away after being hit by a bouncer.

Hughes had been in a critical condition after being struck on the head by a short delivery during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground two days ago.

He subsequently died of a vertebral artery dissection in hospital after never regaining consciousness.

The ball led the artery to be compressed causing it to split and cause a massive bleed in the brain.

Hughes had been wearning a helmet, but the ball struck him at the base of the skull.

Notts and England bowler Stuart Broad tweeted: “Just can’t believe it, heartbreaking stuff. RIP Phil Hughes.”

Australia captain Michael Clarke read the following statement, on behalf of Hughes’ parents Greg & Virginia, sister Megan and brother Jason.

We’re devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother, Phillip,” he said.

“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.”

Hughes, 25, represented Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire in English domestic cricket, but will be fondly remembered in Nottinghamshire for the part he played in the 2013 Investec Ashes Test between England and Australia..